Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Art that heals: How to find creative pathways to well-being in Birmingham
Reading time: 4 minutes
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In a world where stress and burnout may feel like the norm, finding healthy outlets matters more than ever. Across Birmingham, one organization is blending creativity with care in a powerful way.
Through hands-on workshops, music experiences and immersive arts education, UAB Center for the Arts is helping support mental health and overall well-being for people of all ages.
Here’s how sparking your creativity can have positive mental health benefits.
The role of the arts in Birmingham’s mental health community
Research by the World Health Organization consistently shows that integrating the arts into healthcare environments can make a meaningful difference. According to these experts, creative engagement has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood and even a decreased perception of pain.
UAB Arts in Medicine (AIM) brings an integrated approach to healing that supports the mind, body and spirit through creative arts experiences led by trained teaching artists and board-certified music and arts therapists. While AIM offers bedside interactions and workshops within hospital settings, many programs are also open to the broader Birmingham community—extending creative wellness opportunities beyond clinical spaces.
Through both in-hospital and public programming, UAB Arts in Medicine creates space for connection, expression and relief—for patients, families, staff and community members alike.
Upcoming programs you can join through AIM
The impact of Arts in Medicine extends beyond hospital walls. Community members can participate in several upcoming initiatives designed to promote mindfulness and emotional well-being:
These programs offer structured opportunities for reflection and creative expression, both in-person and online—making it easier than ever to prioritize mental health.
Supporting wellness through creativity in Birmingham
While Arts in Medicine focuses on healing-centered experiences, ArtPlay brings creativity to life through arts education.
ArtPlay is UAB’s community arts education arm that makes creative learning accessible to people of all ages across Birmingham, offering hands-on classes, workshops and camps in everything from visual art and dance to creative writing and theatre that help build skills, confidence and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Upcoming programs you can join with ArtPlay
This spring, teens ages 13–18 can register for the Spring Break “Choose Your Own Art Adventure” Studio Camp (March 24–26). Students can explore:
- Creative Writing Studio: Poetry & Narrative
- Visual Art: Water Color and Pastels
- Stagecraft & Production Camp: Disney’s Newsies Jr.
- Musical Theatre Camp: Disney’s Newsies Jr.
Whether diving deeper into an existing passion or trying something brand new, the three-day mini-camps encourage experimentation in a supportive, inspiring environment.
Looking ahead to summer, Intermediate Studio Camps in Visual Art and Creative Writing (June 29–July 1) give young artists and storytellers three immersive days to create original work—culminating in a gallery-style presentation to celebrate their growth.
Not just for kids: creative growth for everyone
The benefits of engaging with the arts aren’t limited to youth programs.
ArtPlay also offers classes for teens and adults looking to tap into their creative side. Upcoming opportunities include:
- Beginner Polymer Clay Earrings & Accessories
- Playwriting workshops for aspiring storytellers
- Acting for the Non-Actor
Whether you’re hoping to reduce stress, build confidence, connect with others or try something new in 2026, creative expression can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
Ready to explore? Find these programs and more through UAB’s Center for the Arts and discover how art can support your mental health—right here in Birmingham.
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