In March 2026, I travelled to Atlanta for the National Convening on Art and Social Connection, a two-day event hosted by the High Museum of Art. It brought together people from the arts, public health, research, aging, social services and policy to explore one big question: how can engagement with visual art help combat loneliness and build more connected communities?

In this special episode, I take you inside the convening and share what I heard, what I learned, and what I think it means for those of us working in museums and cultural spaces.

I carried three questions with me to Atlanta. What does it actually take to do this work well? How do we build the evidence that it works? And how do we make sure the wider world hears about it? Listen to the episode for where those questions led me.

The Art Engager is written and presented by Claire Bown. Editing is by Matt Jacobs and Claire Bown. Music by Richard Bown. Support on Patreon

Mentioned in this episode

The High Museum of Art: https://high.org

The Museums That Helped Power Atlanta’s Rise Are Still Pushing Ahead:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/14/arts/atlanta-museums.html?unlocked_article_code=1.bVA.UEVq.IQUdMdoYDuWI&smid=url-share

Oasis at the High Museum of Art: https://high.org/event-category/for-adults/oasis/

Art Story: How the High is Engaging Mindfulness with Art at Oasis: https://medium.com/high-museum-of-art/art-story-how-the-high-is-engaging-mindfulness-with-art-at-oasis-8b3592f5f876

Art After Loss at the High Museum of Art: https://high.org/art-after-loss/

Art After Loss: Creating Space for Grief, Connection, and Reflection: https://medium.com/high-museum-of-art/art-after-loss-creating-space-for-grief-connection-and-reflection-7ab2a1113643

TimeSlips: https://www.timeslips.org

Meet Me at MoMA: https://www.moma.org/visit/accessibility/meetme/

LSU Museum of Art: https://www.lsumoa.org

Two prompts to sit with

• For me, social connection looks like…
• One thing I can do next is…