Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has joined the Neuroarts Academic Network (NAN), a global initiative focused on advancing research and education at the intersection of neuroscience, healing, and the arts. The network, recently launched by the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, aims to expand understanding of how creative disciplines such as music, dance, painting, and storytelling can be integrated into mainstream medicine and public health to improve well-being.
FAU is one of only two universities in Florida and among more than 35 institutions worldwide selected for NAN’s initial working group. The university will contribute to developing neuroarts as an interdisciplinary field that bridges arts, science, medicine, public policy, and community engagement.
“This is a significant step for Florida Atlantic University and for the emerging field of neuroarts,” said Randy Blakely, Ph.D., FAU designated official for NAN and executive director of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. “Building on the momentum of the NeuroArts Blueprint, joining NAN recognizes FAU for its commitment to programs to unite the arts with brain science and medicine. This commitment not only recognizes a growing movement but also opens a door to transformative research opportunities – particularly in understanding how aesthetic experience can impact brain health. We are proud to help shape a future where creativity and science work hand in hand to improve lives.”
Blakely will lead this initiative with Nicole Baganz, Ph.D., director of community engagement at the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. They will collaborate with academic partners across FAU through the Program in Artistic Resilience within the soon-to-be-launched Center for the Resilient Mind.
Michael Horswell, Ph.D., dean of FAU’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, highlighted decades of research supporting art’s role in stimulating complex brain networks involved in emotion, memory, and cognition: “The arts are not merely expressions of human experience – they are powerful tools for healing and neurobiological integration,” he said. “Decades of research demonstrate that engaging with the arts stimulates complex brain networks involved in emotion, memory and cognition. By joining this interdisciplinary network, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing scientific inquiry into how the arts promote both individual healing and the well-being of communities.”
A signature event reflecting these efforts is scheduled for February 20–March 6, 2026: The Insights VIII Exhibition at FAU Ritter Art Gallery will showcase works by artists living with bipolar disorder. This exhibit is part of Brainy Days—an annual celebration led by FAU’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute—and seeks to highlight creative expression’s role in resilience while increasing public awareness about mental health challenges.
Additionally, as part of its involvement with NAN, FAU plans to launch a pilot grant program supporting collaborative research projects exploring how artistic activities affect brain function and emotional well-being.
“At this formative stage, the generous seed funding from the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute is critical to launching collaborative research in neuroarts,” said Michael R. Dobbs, M.D., chair of clinical neurosciences at FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine. “This support may prove truly transformative – advancing our understanding of how artistic expression can be harnessed to improve brain health, enhance therapeutic outcomes and open new frontiers in treatment.”
The NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative—the organization behind NAN—is co-led by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine’s International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics along with Aspen Institute’s Health, Medicine & Society Program; it receives support from The Music Man Foundation.
Susan Magsamen from Johns Hopkins University emphasized collaboration: “Neuroarts is a vibrant, interdisciplinary field grounded in evidence-based knowledge and united by shared research principles, practices and values. To fully realize its potential we must learn from one another develop a common language ,and build a collaborative framework that enables our disciplines to flourish individually while also working together to build the field.”
Ruth J. Katz from Aspen Institute added: “In these challenging times of rapid change ,the Neuroarts Academic Network offers a bold ,collaborative model to strengthen neuroarts education ,workforce development ,and interdisciplinary impact .It is essential to advancing this important ,and game-changing work.”
Blakely concluded: “Our inclusion in the Neuroarts Academic Network reinforces our commitment to interdisciplinary innovation ,public health impact ,and the belief that science and the arts have much to inform each other along the road to human vitality.”
