The mission of Hudson Valley InterArts is to create a safe and inclusive environment to effectively build community and relationship around artistic practices. The arts have always been a place where people can express the human experience, often without using words, in a way to communicate and connect across differences. Through these universal artistic languages, we build relationships and share humanity in unexpected ways. InterArts’ partnership with Community Based Services expands their decades-long work of creating inclusive and purpose-driven programming, now uniquely poised to serve the larger societal and public health needs of authentic connection, creative expression, and relationships that cultivate social and emotional engagement. This expansion of scope only deepens our commitment to building community and giving all people expressive outlets to lead meaningful and engaged lives.
By building an interdisciplinary art center we are now prepared to offer a space for meaningful relationships and community involvement to intersect with self-expression and self-actualization. When in the Spring of 2023 the Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy announced an emerging epidemic of loneliness in the United States, citing decreased health outcomes and serious psychological and social repercussions, we saw this as a call to action. This is an important opportunity and natural expansion of our work to help support inclusivity, as well as serve more people who feel isolated or lack accessible outlets for creative community involvement. In partnership with Community Based Services, InterArts creates authentic connection within communities where acceptance and expression are important. Here we have valuable experience and real social and physical infrastructure to serve this emergent need. Inclusivity is healing, arts and creativity are healing, and meaningful relationships increase health outcomes, create better societies. This is the right time for us to get involved. We are making a difference by expanding to serve this larger community need, crafting space and programming that builds authentic connection and creative expression in person, and in conversation with our evolving societal needs.
Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Calls for Action to Address Public Health Crisis, Lays Out Framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection
Fostering social connection in cities.
Dr. Ruth Named NY’s First Ambassador to Loneliness
Six Steps to Address Loneliness Epidemic.
The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness among U.S. Adults
A post-pandemic study reveals that over half of U.S. adults continue to feel lonely, with the epidemic particularly affecting younger and marginalized groups.
The National Strategy For Social Connection Act, explained.
The loneliness of the American Worker. More meetings and faceless chats. Fewer work friends. How the modern workday is fueling an epidemic of isolation.
Journalist Johann Hari shares fresh insights on the causes of depression and anxiety from experts around the world — as well as some exciting emerging solutions. “If you’re depressed or anxious, you’re not weak and you’re not crazy — you’re a human being with unmet needs,” Hari says.
How Can Music Engagement Address Loneliness?
Discover how music provided emotional support and strengthened social connections during Australia’s COVID-19 lockdowns, as explored in this study.
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