Center for Healthy Minds

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of the Arts and Center for Healthy Minds has announced the recipients of its inaugural “Arts for Healthy Minds” joint grant program.

The awards, which total $35,000 include $25,000 from the Center for Healthy Minds and $10,000 from the Division of the Arts. Following a rigorous review process, the selection committee awarded five individuals drawn from across faculty, staff and students. They will be honored publicly at a special awards gala on May 2, 2024 at the Hamel Music Center.

Professor Ahna Skop, faculty member from the Department of Genetics, Life Sciences Communication & Art and Claudia Guzman, Director of the Multicultural Student Center will each receive $10,000 for their respective proposals. Erin Celello, Literacy Instructor and Director of Odyssey Beyond Wars will receive $6,000 for her project, while the remaining two awards will be presented to Lillian Smith, Graduate Student in Counseling Psychology and Christine Holm, Communications Specialist, in the amount of $5,000 and $4,000 respectively.

The selection committee was pleased with the quality and diversity of the proposals received for this inaugural joint grant program, adding that the range and reach of impact - from staff, students, community, alumni and participants - fulfills the grant’s mission of inclusivity.

“The proposals reflect broad areas of the arts that organically focus on well-being and flourishing,” noted Chris Walker, Director of the Division of the Arts.

Additionally Dr. Richard Davidson, Director of the Center for Healthy Minds adds, “We are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to support these innovative, interdisciplinary initiatives and are confident that these projects will make meaningful contributions to the UW–Madison community and beyond.”

The selection committee comprised representatives from the Arts including Professors Chris Walker, Grant Nelsestuen and Helen Lee, and Dr. Richard Davidson, Dr. Tony Chambers and Heather Harris represented the Center for Healthy Minds.

For more information about the joint grant program, please go here.

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About The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of the Arts

The Division of the Arts advocates for, connects, and elevates the arts at UW–Madison. Our vision, “The Arts for Everyone, Everywhere,” is one by which the arts at UW–Madison are: integral to research, teaching, learning and outreach; accessible to all at UW–Madison; and impactful both locally and globally. Through the Creative Arts Awards, the Arts Business Competition and the ASAP Grant, the Arts Division provides research support to faculty, staff, and students in the arts. The Division of the Arts also supports the Interdisciplinary Artist in Residence Program and the International Visiting Artist Program.

About The Center for Healthy Minds

The Center for Healthy Minds at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is a global leader in understanding the mind, our emotions and well-being. Our Mission: To cultivate well-being and relieve suffering through a scientific understanding of the mind. Our Vision: A kinder, wiser, more compassionate world.