The National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) is a professional network advancing the integration of the arts into health and well-being across communities. Rooted in a legacy of arts-in-health initiatives dating back to the late 1980s, NOAH fosters connection, knowledge-sharing, and advocacy for the vital role of creative expression in supporting physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. By uniting artists, administrators, and researchers, NOAH ensures that the arts are recognized as indispensable tools for healing, inclusion, and equity.
Since its founding in 2016, NOAH has developed programs and resources that strengthen professionalization and research in the field, including leadership summits, online training, forums, and ethical guidance for arts professionals. Its work bridges the gap between creative practice and health care, cultivating accessible, evidence-based strategies that bring the healing power of the arts to all people. By supporting both individual practitioners and the broader field, NOAH amplifies the impact of the arts on well-being at every level of community and clinical care.
Why It Matters: NOAH demonstrates that the arts are not an add-on but a fundamental component of health and community resilience. By providing education, professional standards, and advocacy, the organization empowers practitioners and communities alike to use creativity as a tool for healing, inclusion, and systemic change. Its work reminds us that accessible, equitable, and thoughtfully applied arts programming can transform health outcomes and enrich human connection.
