Ryan Leighton

The session focused on the topic of social prescribing, described as an exciting step forward in Maine and nationwide. Speakers included Molly Cashwell, Director of the Cultural Alliance of Maine, and Christina KZ, Program Director at the Maine Arts Commission, who provided context on arts and health initiatives. Maya Williams, Portland Maine's seventh poet laureate, shared several poems addressing themes of healing, community engagement, grief, and survival, offering content warnings for sensitive topics. Lee Clarman, Director of Community Resiliency at United Way of Southern Maine, provided an overview of the social prescription model. This model involves healthcare providers referring patients to social prescribing programs, connecting them with local arts and culture activities (like dance, painting, or theater) via a link worker to address non-medical needs, with the goal of improving well-being, reducing social isolation, and strengthening local arts organizations. The discussion highlighted that social prescribing provides holistic, person-centered care, addresses social determinants of health, and offers sustainable funding opportunities for cultural organizations.

The workshop addressed federal educational policy, focusing on educational equity and access for all students. Discussions included the importance of the ESSA, which names arts and music in federal law, and the allocation of title funds (Title I, Title II, and Title IV) for supporting arts education. The schedule for appropriations and various advocacy efforts were also highlighted.