Boston Community NeuroArts Coalition on Addictions
Reimagining addiction prevention and recovery through music, creativity, and science.
The Berklee Music and Health Institute (BMHI), with the support of the Mass Cultural Council, and in collaboration with leading health care, research, and community organizations, is launching the Boston Community NeuroArts Coalition on Addictions, a bold new effort harnessing the power of music and the arts to address addiction from prevention through recovery.
This initiative is part of the NeuroArts Blueprint’s Community NeuroArts Coalitions (CNC) Network, a national movement led by the Aspen Institute and Johns Hopkins University’s International Arts + Mind Lab that supports 11 communities across the US in translating the science of neuroarts into real-world programs. Together, these coalitions are building evidence-to-impact collaborations that improve health, well-being, and social connection through the arts.
Grounded in neuroscience and guided by community voice, the Boston coalition will position the city as a national leader in creative health innovation, demonstrating how evidence-based, arts-integrated approaches can strengthen protective factors for youth and families, improve treatment outcomes, and sustain long-term recovery.
Why This Work Matters
Boston faces a dual public health challenge: a persistent addiction and overdose crisis alongside a rising youth mental health emergency. Traditional approaches, while vital, cannot fully address the social isolation, trauma, and loss of connection that often accompany addiction and recovery. Music and the arts offer a powerful, evidence-based pathway to recovery and healing—strengthening resilience, fostering belonging, and restoring a sense of purpose. With its world-renowned treatment facilities and programs, creative economy, and leadership in arts education, Boston is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in integrating creativity into health systems. The Boston Community NeuroArts Coalition on Addictions unites these strengths to reimagine recovery, not only as the absence of illness, but as the presence of connection, creativity, and hope.
Mission
To transform Boston’s prevention, wellness, treatment, and recovery systems by embedding evidence-based creative arts experiences. These experiences strengthen protective factors, support treatment, and sustain recovery while being grounded in equity and community leadership.
Vision
A Boston where arts and creativity are recognized as essential public health resources in reducing relapse and overdose, building resilience, and fostering belonging across communities.
The Road Ahead
In the year ahead, we will convene partners, launch pilot programs, and co-design scalable, evidence-based initiatives that embed creativity into Boston’s addiction prevention and recovery systems. Working with communities and industry leaders in healthcare, higher education, and the creative sector, we aim to:
Expand access and honor arts practices.
Track outcomes, build evidence, and advocate for change.
Build workforce infrastructure and pathways.
Together, we are redefining addiction care by bridging creativity, evidence, and compassion to build healthier, more connected communities.
