The mission of the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) is to improve the quality of life for everyone in our region through the arts. Our overarching strategy is to advance social equity through the arts by supporting artists, programs, and organizations that are emerging, under-resourced, or underrepresented.
Arts4Healing is an arts program that uses the power of creative expression to support emotional well-being, connection, and resilience to the underserved and most vulnerable communities. Through accessible workshops in visual art, music, movement, and storytelling, participants are invited to explore their emotions, process trauma, and build a sense of identity and belonging. The program is designed to be culturally responsive and trauma-informed, meeting people where they are with compassion and respect. Led by trained teaching artists, sessions are held in youth centers, senior housing, schools, shelters, and veterans centers, ensuring those most in need have access to the transformative power of the arts. Arts4Healing not only nurtures individual growth and recovery, but also helps strengthen community ties by providing a shared space for creativity and connection. It is a powerful reminder that healing can begin with a paintbrush, a song, or simply the freedom to express.
Our Arts4Healing program benefits the entire county by fostering a healthier, more connected, and more resilient community. When individuals—especially those in underserved areas—have access to creative expression, they are better able to cope with trauma, reduce stress, and improve mental health. This ripple effect strengthens families, schools, and neighborhoods.
This program also bridges divides by bringing people together across cultural, economic, and generational lines. It reduces stigma around emotional and mental health while promoting empathy, understanding, and community pride. By investing in healing through the arts, we’re not only supporting individual well-being but also creating a more compassionate, inclusive, and vibrant county for everyone.
The Arts4Healing program is such a wonderful addition to our services. Several of our guests said they enjoyed being able to take their mind away from their worries and creating good memories. We truly appreciate our partnership.
- Anjanette Love, Gathering for Women Program Facilitator, Monterey
