Rhode Island: Arts and Health Network Artist in Residence Program

Jazzmen-Lee-Johnson, 2019 Arts and Health Network Artist in Residence Program

The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) have partnered on a new Artist in Residence Program. This residency program embeds artists within the state department of health to drive creative arts based approaches to achieving health equity, addressing the social determinants of health and attaining population health goals. The project is one component of the new Rhode Island State Arts and Health Plan. Professional artists with significant experience working in public and clinical health settings were eligible to apply. The artist selected in 2019 is Jazzmen-Lee Johnson, who is embedded at RIDOH. The first two months of her residency focused on familiarizing herself with the priorities, structure and programs of RIDOH and researching arts and health in the larger community. She is now in the process of collaborating with three designated RIDOH staff in their areas of concern including cancer, gender equity, social justice, asthma, minority health and youth mentoring. The ultimate goal is to create one or more cross-cutting projects to engage the community and address RIDOH priorities. For more information, contact RISCA Arts and Health Network Cochair Sherilyn Brown, 401-222-1077.