On October 14th, the Arts-In-Health Innovation Lab will host the 2019 Arts-In-Health Symposium at the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education complex on the University of Utah’s campus. This exciting afternoon will incorporate keynote addresses by nationally recognized leaders presenting the latest research at the intersection of the arts and health fields.

Featured Speakers will include:
Jill Sonke, Director
Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida
"Advancing Arts in Health: Why Research Matters"

Lori Gooding, PhD, MT-BC
College of Music, Florida State University
“Connecting Psychosocial Care, Music Therapy & Music Therapy Education”

Debra Burns, PhD, MT-BC
“Music Therapy and Cancer: Focus on Evidence, Next Steps and Transdisciplinary Collaborations”  

Besides its established national significance, the research of these three leaders parallels many groundbreaking initiatives already in practice within the University. For example, the U’s Resiliency Center invests in addressing burnout in health professions, which aligns with Lori Gooding’s research on the phenomenon of burnout amongst clinical music therapists. Debra Burns’ research in cancer and music therapy is reflected in arts therapy initiatives at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Center for Wellness and Integrative Health, under the direction of Shelley White. Jill Sonke’s research continues to confirm the impact of arts on the expanded well-being of communities.

University of Utah professors will participate in lighting round talks sharing their own research in arts in health, including: Jared Rawlings on “Music Education and Bullying,” Eric Handman on “Virtual Reality Choreography and Autism,” Shelley White on “Group Drumming and Cancer Care,” and Gretchen Case and Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell on “Theatre Techniques and Medical Students.”

Associate Dean for Research and Associate Professor of Theatre Sydney Cheek-O’Donnell hopes this year’s symposium will not only raise visibility of the Arts-In-Health Innovation Lab as a collaborative hub for members of the University community, but also encourage complex interdisciplinary work across different fields of research. 

“The Symposium provides an opportunity for us to come together as a community to share and exchange ideas about research in this increasingly important field,” Cheek-O’Donnell explains. “We hope that this symposium will offer faculty, students, and staff at the U, as well as other members of our extended community, a glimpse into the world of rigorous arts in health research happening around the country and on our own campus. Ultimately, we would love to see this catalyze more collaboration among disparate members of the University community in order to begin to address this nation’s health care crisis. The arts are (and have been for centuries) a shadow health service, addressing the social determinants of health in ways that medicine alone cannot.”

Those attending the Symposium will be able to gain a deeper understanding of how research is conducted in the field of arts in health, including specialized methods for answering rising questions. Cheek-O’Donnell suggests, “We hope it will demonstrate what arts in health research has to offer – to the arts community, the health care community, and to the various communities in which we live.”

She adds, “Finally, we hope it offers and opportunity for participants to meet others who are interested in conducting research that will advance the field and—most importantly—contribute to improved health and well-being.”

Who can predict what innovative collaborations will be catalyzed in these very conversations?
Come and be a part of it.

Arts in Health Symposium
October 14th 1-5 pm
Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex RM 1151