The Jameel Arts & Health Lab–Lancet Global Collection on Arts and Health Symposium
Join us for the launch of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab - Lancet Global Collection on Arts and Health, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Presented as part of NYU’s Arts and Impact initiative and UNGA Healing Arts Week 2026.
This landmark Collection in the world’s leading medical journal brings together the science of how engagement in the arts can advance health and wellbeing—from universal cultural exposure and early development, to population-level prevention, evidence-informed arts interventions, and individualized creative arts therapies—and translates this evidence into practical pathways for policy and practice.
The event will feature a special performance and presentation by internationally acclaimed musical artist Jon Batiste, joined by music therapist Joanne Loewy, Founding Director of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine at Mt Sinai. Together, they will explore how music can move from inspiration to practice as a powerful pathway for connection, healing, and wellbeing.
The program will also bring together global leaders across the arts, neuroscience, public health, medicine, and the creative arts therapies to explore how research, investment, and cross-sector collaboration can shape more equitable, humane, and effective systems of health and care.
The Jameel Arts & Health Lab–Lancet Global Collection on Arts and Health was led by Prof. Nisha Sajnani, NYU Steinhardt Professor and founding co-director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, with support from Dr. Nils Fietje, WHO Technical Officer and founding co-director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, Professor Daisy Fancourt, University College London and Stephen Stapleton, Founder and CEO of CULTURUNNERS and founding co-director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab.
Event Flow
- 12:30PM: Doors Open
- 1:30PM: Opening Remarks
- 2:00PM: Keynote Presentation with Jon Batiste and Joanne Loewy
- 2:30PM: Fireside Chat
- 3:00PM: Break: Lobby Engagements with NYC Arts Organizations: Bharatanatyam dancing with Sloka Iyengar, Dance for PD, Elevate Theatre Company, Improv for Work and Wellness, "Make a Wish Jar" with artist Katherine Miranda and Urban Health Plan
- 3:20PM: Lancet Launch Performance and Panel
- 5:00PM: Performance by the New York Vocal Collective
- 5:15PM: Closing Remarks
Photo Credit: Jon Batiste at Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn. Courtesy of Sing for Hope.
