A growing body of public health research demonstrates that arts and culture activities positively impact the drivers of health, health equity and economic development. A new report from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) highlights case studies from four LISC partners — 11th Street Bridge Park and Anacostia BID in Washington D.C.; Destination Crenshaw in Los Angeles; and Vanguard Community Development in Detroit. Each case study showcases how these communities use the arts to strengthen community bonds, celebrate local culture, heal collective trauma, and fight displacement through creative economies.

The report also provides three key takeaways on how the arts impact health in community-centered economic inclusion:

• Arts events can heal and strengthen communities
• Public artworks celebrate local cultures and address collective trauma
• Creative economies can fight displacement and build belonging