Chicago Healing Arts 2026-27

Healing Arts Chicago is an innovative paid job training program that seeks to bridge the realms of arts, health, healing, and wellness. The program pays artists to apprentice in community clinics and become certified community health workers to amplify the proven benefits of arts engagement in fostering holistic recovery, well-being and social cohesion in communities.

Healing Arts Chicago is a collaborative effort between:

• City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) – Lead project administrator supporting overall program design and implementation

• Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Core project collaborator, supporting program design and participation of CDPH mental health centers

• City Colleges of Chicago – Provider of artist training and community health worker (CHW) certification

  
  

In its pilot phase, Healing Arts Chicago was funded through American Rescue Plan federal funds. The program was also part of a national arts and health initiative led by One Nation One Project. Through the Arts for EveryBody campaign, significant investments were made in research, evaluation, technical assistance, creative support, and peer networking opportunities across 18 participating municipal and community partner sites to foster equitable recovery and improved health in communities across America.

A new cohort of artists was selected at the end of 2025 to begin the two-year commitment. In 2026, they begin their training as Community Health Workers at Malcolm X College and will gradually move into placements at CDPH’s clinics. Look for arts services and other offerings from the new cohort beginning in summer 2026.