The University of Arizona is expanding its support for students navigating anxiety, depression and loneliness with a new partnership with Art Pharmacy, a national health services company that offers a creative approach to mental health care. The pilot program, beginning in fall 2025, will prescribe arts and culture experiences to participants based on their needs, interests and background.

"The arts promote human flourishing," said Andy Schulz, vice president of the arts and dean of the College of Fine Arts. "They help us express and understand the human experience, which is a fundamental need. There is strong research that shows the arts can reduce isolation, increase belonging and build community."

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The partnership, led by Arizona Arts, also includes the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, Student Affairs, Campus Health and Student Success and Retention Innovation. The U of A is the first university in the Southwest to offer Art Pharmacy's services.

Once a student is referred to Art Pharmacy by U of A Counseling and Psych Services, a care navigator will contact them to learn about their wellness goals and arts interests. The navigator will then put together a personalized slate of arts and culture experiences. These activities, known as "doses," might include participating in a workshop, taking a class or attending a performance. All associated costs, like tickets and transportation, are covered for the student and a guest, making the process low-pressure and barrier-free.

The company is working with campus groups such as Arizona Arts Live, the University of Arizona Museum of Art and the Poetry Center, along with community arts organizations throughout Tucson, to build a robust network of experience options for students.

Amanda Kraus, vice president for student affairs and a key proponent of the partnership, said the program is part of a comprehensive approach to student wellness.

"Not all mental health support requires a medical prescription, and I think that's something universities grapple with," Kraus said. "Art Pharmacy is an innovative way to support students and their well-being. It's about breaking out of your traditional schedule to try something new or reconnect with something you love."

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The three-year pilot program is being underwritten by Arizona Arts supporters, including lead donor Peggy Goulding, a dietitian and nutritionist who has worked in health care for more than 40 years.

"Helping young people deal with the many mental health issues in today's world is of paramount importance to me," Goulding said. "Based on my experience in health care and my appreciation of the healing power of the arts, I believe this program will be beneficial to the students at the University of Arizona."

Art Pharmacy, which partners with health providers and universities in several states, said its first higher education partnership with Stanford University has resulted in 84% of referred students attending events and 80% reporting mental health improvement, based on diagnostic tests after they participated in the program.

"The social prescribing movement is growing throughout our country as anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation rates on college campuses are at an all-time high," said Chris Appleton, Art Pharmacy founder and CEO. "Introducing non-stigmatized, readily available mental health interventions is critical for institutional partnerships looking to implement and scale social prescribing." 

Schulz said the partnership reflects Arizona Arts' broader mission of ensuring that all students have meaningful experiences in the arts. 

"We want to help students build lifelong habits of interacting with the arts – and each other – in new ways," Schulz said. "You've seen this in some of the public art projects we've done on the Mall like the swing sets or the Cuk Ṣon Audiorama near Centennial Hall. It's all about creating more pathways for students to build community."