Research Projects
Explore current and previous initiatives from the Lab and its affiliates furthering the evidence of the impact of the arts on health
Showing ‘All Projects’
Research Project
Making a Way Out of No Way
A 12-week, community co-designed music intervention in San Juan, Argentina that supported marginalized adolescents by integrating group guitar training with brain health and prosocial development to improve mental wellbeing, social connectedness, and life opportunities.
Lead Researchers
A Davidziuk, A Ibañez
Status
In Progress
Institutions
Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibañez (UAI)
Type
Quasi Experimental, Mixed Methods
Research Project
Integrated Arts-based Cognitive Stimulation Program for People with Dementia
This project is developing and piloting a culturally relevant arts-based Cognitive Stimulation Therapy program for people living with dementia in India to support wellbeing, engagement, and more accessible non-pharmacological care.
Lead Researchers
C.J. Narayanan, M Gopalakrishna
Status
In Progress
Institutions
Dhanvanthri Hospital Society, Annaswamy Mudaliar General Hospital (AMGH), NYU Steinhardt
Type
Quasi-Experimental
Research Project
Culture and Wellbeing in Cities
This collaborative narrative review explores how cities around the world define, measure, and integrate culture within health and wellbeing systems. Through document analysis and interviews with city leaders, the research examines how cultural indicators shape urban policy and decision-making, with key findings to be shared at the 15th World Cities Culture Summit 2026.
Lead Researchers
N Sajnani, E Bahr, E Kenny, A Lester
Status
In Progress
Institutions
NYU Steinhardt, World Cities Culture Forum
Type
Narrative Review
Research Project
Impact of Amazonian Dance on People with Parkinson’s Disease
A 12-week randomized study exploring how culturally grounded Amazonian Dance may improve speech, language, and communication outcomes for people with Parkinson’s disease. The findings highlight the potential of dance to support both speech-motor function and higher-order language processes through culturally resonant, expressive movement.
Lead Researchers
A. N. Haas, C. Theofanopoulou
Status
In progress
Institutions
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rockefeller University
Type
Randomized Control Trial (RCT)
Research Project
Arts and Global Mental Health in Post-Conflict Settings
This project explores how therapeutic arts, photography, and participant-led cultural archiving can support mental health, cultural resilience, and agency among survivors in post-conflict settings.
Lead Researchers
N Sajnani, E Bahr, E Lægreid, C Bailey
Status
Complete
Lead Institutions
NYU Steinhardt
Type
Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study