The Creative Center at University Settlement
The Creative Center at University Settlement has been designing, implementing, and sustaining art programming in a variety of healthcare and community settings since 1994.
We believe that our deep understanding of arts and health brings intentional energy and a renewed appreciation of the human mind and body to the forefront of all of our residencies, events and workshops.
Founded on the belief that "medicine cures the body but art heals the spirit," The Creative Center began as a series of free art workshops for women with cancer. Over 30 years later, with immeasurable recognition in the field of arts in health and the nonprofit sector, The Creative Center has expanded to include a nationally-recognized Hospital Artist-In-Residence Program; our annual Training Institute for Arts-in-Health and Creative Aging; and Creative Aging programming.
Programs & Activities
1. Hospital Artist-in-Residence Program. Our Hospital Artist-in-Residence Program brings the expressive arts into healthcare settings through the placement of an individual artist on-site for a contracted year. The Artist-in-Residence offers a collection of different art forms, mediums, and structures of engagement to embed themselves in the culture of each hospital site, supporting patients, families, staff and the community.
2. Training Institute for Arts-in-Health and Creative Aging. An engaging four-day program for learning, growth and networking in the field of arts-in-health and creative aging, the Training Institute provides an immersive professional development opportunity, featuring experiential skill-building, embodied learning, and insightful discourse. Our 23rd annual Training Institute will be held in March, 2026.
3. Art Workshop Program. We offer daily, free-of-charge art workshop classes in such mediums as painting, drawing, crochet, jewelry design, creative writing, meditation and movement, photography, playwriting, sculpture and more. All workshops are taught by professional artists. Classes are held in-person or virtually on Zoom.
4. Creative Aging Program. Through our Creative Aging initiative, we provide fee-based direct services, including art workshops, classes and training programs to older adult organizations and community centers, as well as residential facilities serving older adults across the aging continuum.
