You’re invited to take part in Arts and Health Week from November 3 – November 9, 2025!
This dynamic, city-wide celebration highlights the powerful connection between creative expression and well-being. Through interactive events, performances, and educational programs, we invite the entire community to explore how the arts support physical, emotional, and social health. Led by the Watson Clinic Foundation's Arts in Medicine Program and the Polk Arts and Health Collaborative, this week unites healthcare professionals, artists, and everyday residents to imagine a healthier future together.
Some of the event highlights taking place during the week include the following (click the RSVP link to reserve your spot for any event of your choosing):
Event: The Space Between: Creating Healing Environments through the Arts
Date: Monday, November 3 from 6 pm – 8 pm
Location: Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland, FL 33801
Description: Kicking off Arts and Health Week 2025, this collaborative event brings together Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, Florida Southern College, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, and Watson Clinic Foundation's Arts in Medicine Program. Featuring live performance, and interactive experiences, this event also launches off the Polk Arts and Health Collaborative's "Community Convening" Series. Calling all healthcare workers, caregivers, and community champions, this event is for you!
Event: Sound Bath at the Depot
Date: Tuesday, November 4 from 11 am – 12 pm
Tuesday, November 4 from 6 pm – 7 pm
Location: The Depot Arts District, 955 E. Memorial Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33801
Description: Immerse yourself in sound as the Lakeland Art Association transforms the Arts Depot into a sanctuary of serenity. Surrounded by original artworks created by local artists, participants will be guided through a restorative Sound Bath experience blending the beauty of art and the healing power of vibration. Through the gentle resonance of crystal bowls and harmonic tones, you’re invited to release stress, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Bring a mat, blanket, or pillow, everything you need to unwind and let the art of sound guide you to peace. Everyone in the general public is encouraged to attend!
Click here to RSVP
Event: The Art of Healing: Evidence and Impact
Date: Tuesday, November 4 from 12 pm – 1 pm
Location: Virtual event
Description: Join us for this virtual Lunch & Learn event featuring board-certified art and music therapists as they share real-world examples and evidence-based insights on how creative therapies support healing. From improved patient outcomes to enhanced emotional well-being, discover how the arts are transforming care in clinical and community settings. This exciting event is open to healthcare professionals, caregivers, and anyone passionate about whole-person health.
Event: Little Beats, Big Benefits
Date: Friday, November 7 from 9:30 am – 10:15 am
Friday, November 7 from 10:30 am – 11:15 am
Location: Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815
Description: Discover how music and movement can boost your child's health and happiness! Designed for children under six, this playful music therapy session invites kids to sing, dance, and move while parents learn how rhythm and motion support early development and well-being. Presented by United Way Success by Six, in partnership with Whole Steps Music Therapy and the Watson Clinic Foundation's Arts in Medicine Program, this event blends fun with evidence-based insights to show how small beats can make a big impact!
Event: IF/THEN: How Creativity Shapes Healthy Kids
Date: Saturday, November 8 from 10 am – 1 pm
Location: Florida Children’s Museum, 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815
Description: Join us for a playful, hands-on event led by board-certified art and music therapists. Inspired by the classic "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie", this interactive experience explores how creative expression supports childhood development.
No RSVP required
Event: Sight and Sound: Tools for Teachers
Date: Saturday, November 8 from 2 pm – 4 pm
Location: Florida Southern College Alumni Room, 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland, FL 33801
Description: Educators are invited to experience how the arts can support both personal well-being and classroom success. This immersive session, hosted by Florida Southern College and Polk County Public Schools arts programs, and led by the Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine program and board-certified music and art therapists, explores how sound, rhythm, and visual art can regulate stress, spark creativity, and foster problem-solving skills for self-care and classroom integration.