Georgia becomes first state to link arts, mental health

Georgia has become the first state in the nation to enact a statewide legislative measure formally linking the arts to improved mental health outcomes, according to a March 23 article from SaportaReport, a civic journalism website based in Atlanta. The move is notable given that Georgia typically ranks near the bottom nationally in per capita arts funding, despite promoting itself as a center of the creative economy. House Resolution 1007 passed this session with bipartisan support, sponsored by a coalition of three Democrats and three Republicans. The resolution acknowledges “the essential role of artists, arts organizations, art therapists, and arts for health initiatives in supporting recovery from trauma, addressing mental health concerns and conditions, building community resilience and increasing public safety.” As a resolution, this includes no provision for appropriation of funds or for implementing a tangible program.