Join Chicago artists for a free daylong event on Aug. 30 at Malcolm X College to highlight the power of arts, health and wellness

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced details for the 2025 Healing Arts Chicago Summit, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd.). Co-hosted by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Malcolm X College and DCASE, the second annual summit will bring together artists, health leaders and community members for a free day of programming focused on the intersections of arts, wellness and community care.

The Healing Arts Summit and job training program demonstrate how intergovernmental collaboration can support arts and health through creative workforce development.

“Healing Arts Chicago demonstrates the powerful role the arts play in supporting mental health and wellness for our city’s residents,” said DCASE Commissioner Clinée Hedspeth. “Through the continuation of this vital program, a new cohort of professionals will have the opportunity to become certified community health workers and apprentices in City mental health centers — bringing artistic training directly into care.”

The event will include artmaking, movement workshops, panel discussions, performances, and wellness activities, along with free lunch. More than a dozen presentations, breakout sessions and a resource fair will invite participants to explore how arts and culture can foster healing, resilience and belonging across Chicago’s neighborhoods.

“Healing Arts Chicago reflects our belief that health goes beyond the doctor’s office. It’s about how we connect, create and care for one another as a community,” said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige. “This summit brings together art, culture and wellness as powerful tools to strengthen resilience and belonging across our city.”

Doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and attendees are encouraged to register in advance through Eventbrite. More information on the summit can be found at Chicago.gov/HealingArts.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

About the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH):
CDPH works with communities and partners to create an equitable, safe, resilient and Healthy Chicago. For details, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph.html

About City Colleges of Chicago (CCC):
City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) aims to put every student on the path to upward mobility. City Colleges of Chicago is the largest community college system in Illinois, with more than 3,800 faculty and staff serving 54,000 students annually at seven colleges and five satellite sites. Over more than one hundred years, City Colleges has transformed the lives of more than one million students through education. City Colleges of Chicago aims to ensure the success of every student and serve as an economic engine for the City of Chicago.