Florida Arts in Health Mapping Project

Background. The prevalence of arts in health programs in the United States was last documented through surveys of accredited healthcare organizations in 2004 and 2007. A resulting report, published in 2009, is widely cited and has served as an important benchmarking document, but no state-level prevalence data is available.

Methods. A case study was conducted in 2016-17 to document and describe arts in health programs in the state of Florida. The study utilized a systematic process for identification, verification, analysis and mapping of programs through three primary methods: 1) systematic search; 2) verification; and 3) an online survey.

Results. The study identified 107 arts in health programs in Florida. Survey responses suggest that programs are offered by healthcare organizations and arts organizations; most have paid artists and administrators; most engage routinely in partnerships; and the visual arts and music are the most commonly utilized disciplines. Rates of pay and other program characteristics are reported.

Conclusions. The study documented 107 programs in Florida and provides descriptive information that may assist with benchmarking nationally. The study suggests that mapping can be undertaken at the state level, and provides a starting point for development of a replicable systematic process for mapping arts in health programs.

Principle Invesatigator: Jill Sonke

Co-Investigators: Max Helgemo and Dr. Virginia Pesata

Download: Full Survey Results Report

Read the Full Publication in Arts & Health: An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice:

Sonke, Helgemo & Pesata (2018). Arts in health mapping project: Florida, Arts & Health, DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2018.1494451