ORLANDO, Fla. – (January 12, 2026) – Scientific medical research shows that participating in the arts can reduce stress, reduce social isolation, and improve cognitive function. At the same time, Central Florida continues to face challenges in public health that require new, creative approaches. United Arts of Central Florida is launching an innovative Social Prescribing pilot program in 2026 to meet this need, made possible by a $75,000 grant from the Pabst Steinmetz Foundation. The program is developed in partnership with Nemours Children’s Hospital of Florida and Orlando Health.
Through the pilot, healthcare providers can formally prescribe non-clinical community activities — including the arts, movement, nature, and service — to improve patient health, and at minimal patient cost using United Arts’ ArtsinOrlando.com platform. Patients will gain access to curated programs at no or low cost, including painting classes, museum visits, and other arts experiences. Through an Arts and Health Network led through a new collaboration of Winter Park Health Foundation, Pabst Steinmetz Foundation and United Arts, more than 30 local arts and health organizations will participate and receive reimbursement for their services to patients in the pilot. This makes it easy for patients to participate while supporting local artists and cultural institutions.
The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation’s support provides seed funding for program infrastructure, including a part-time Arts & Health Program Officer, development of materials for providers and arts partners, and stipends to offset participation costs. The pilot is designed to deliver measurable health benefits to patients, strengthen cross-sector collaboration between healthcare and arts organizations, and create a model that can be expanded locally and nationally.
About United Arts of Central Florida
United Arts is Central Florida’s local arts agency that strengthens artists, creatives and arts organizations across the region. Through programs, funding and resources, United Arts helps local artists and art organizations achieve their impact goals. Through community engagement initiatives, the nonprofit organization strives to accomplish its vision of a thriving arts community that fuels lasting prosperity, creativity, and well-being for all in Central Florida. Since 1989, United Arts has raised over $200 million toward art, arts education, culture, science and history — an ongoing effort to enrich the community and inspire future generations.
Now through April 30, the public can support many of these same organizations by giving to the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts. All donations made during the campaign will be eligible to access a matching funds pool of up to $1.25M. Learn more and give at unitedartscfl.org/collaborativecampaign.
Media Contact: C. Major, Major@WhateversGood.com, 407.394.6411
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