Ann Arbor Times

The University of Michigan is launching a new program called ArtsRx to address loneliness among college students. The initiative, described as the first of its kind at the university, brings together multiple U-M arts and health units such as University Health & Counseling, Wolverine Wellness, the Arts Initiative, University Musical Society, Museum of Art, Stamps Gallery, and the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

The decision to launch ArtsRx follows a recent survey conducted during the Winter 2025 semester. More than 1,400 students participated in the “Arts and Loneliness in College Students” survey over four months. The results showed that over 60% of respondents reported feeling a lack of companionship or feelings of isolation between “some of the time” and “often.”

To participate in the pilot study for ArtsRx, students visiting University Health & Counseling (UHC) will be screened for loneliness. Those who meet criteria will be invited to join and receive arts-based prescriptions from clinicians. Activities may include hands-on art-making sessions, gallery visits, performances, and concerts organized within social “meet-up” groups.

After participating in prescribed activities, students will complete a follow-up survey to identify factors affecting their engagement with these experiences. Findings from this process are expected to inform improvements to ArtsRx before it expands into other settings on campus.

Lindsey Mortenson, executive director of UHC and chief mental health officer at U-M, explained distinctions between related concepts: “Our survey assessed loneliness and isolation, both of which are associated with worse social and occupational outcomes,” she said.

One focus for ArtsRx is addressing what organizers call being “alone in a crowded room.” While many events are available on campus each day, researchers identified barriers preventing students from joining or feeling connected through these activities.

Mark Clague, executive director of the U-M Arts Initiative and professor of music at U-M stated: “Drawing on insights from our Arts and Loneliness in College Students survey, the campus arts community is being more intentional about serving student needs through the arts. We had thought that cost and time were the main obstacles to arts participation, but students reported that social isolation was itself a barrier—that they needed to know that other students would be present to encourage their own participation.”

Previous research has shown links between exposure to the arts and improved mental and physical health outcomes. According to a 2019 World Health Organization report cited by organizers, involvement with artistic activities can support well-being.

In addition to clinical referrals through UHC staff or wellness coaches when indicated after evaluation, ArtsRx will offer self-prescription options for those interested in exploring its resources independently or with guidance.

Looking ahead to 2026, organizers plan to broaden social prescribing efforts across campus—building on initiatives like NatureRx—and incorporating new areas such as movement-based programs or community service opportunities.

Mortenson noted how interdisciplinary collaboration fuels creative solutions: “Our recent efforts to explore social prescribing have generated novel and creative ideas to reimagine impact and improve lives,” she said. “It reminds me of an interview Yo-Yo Ma gave several years ago... Yo-Yo Ma talked about creating music as akin to an ecological phenomenon called the ‘edge effect,’ which is what happens in transition zones where different ecosystems make contact—there is a proliferation of new species and habitats that are unique and might not exist anywhere else in the world. I think about that concept a lot with this work. Such creative ideas and solutions emerge when people from different backgrounds and expertise are open, creative, curious and willing to work and co-create in different ways.”