Lisa Kudrow: Art is not a luxury, but central to our youth

Alzheimer’s researchers call it a powerful tool to ward off dementia. At-risk teens use it to find meaning in the world around them–and in themselves. It offers healing to both chronically ill toddlers and veterans battling PTSD. What is this magical elixir? Art. Exploring the vital role the arts play in human development during both youth and older age, Arts & the Mind (PBS Distribution) shares stories and cutting edge scientific research on how music, dance, painting, poetry and theater markedly improve well-being at both ends of life.
Hosted and narrated by Lisa Kudrow, Arts & the Mind makes the point that art is not a “luxury,” but central to the development of the human brain in youth and keeping our minds sharp as we get older.
“At a time in our history when arts education is being diminished in our schools, these films document how the arts positively shape young minds, and keep our minds agile as we age,” says Kudrow. “I am pleased and proud to help share this message with viewers of all ages.”
Weaving together stories from childhood and older age, Arts & the Mind journeys across America, showcasing some of the nation’s most innovative and successful arts programs plus revealing the insights and work of leading American neurologists, psychologists and educators. This program illuminates:
• How the arts can improve children’s school performance and build both creativity and competency – featuring stories from the Inner-City Arts program in Los Angeles’ “skid row” and Baltimore Symphony conductor Marin Alsop’s renowned OrchKids Program
• How teenagers find meaning and hope through poetry at Get Lit, an L.A. program run by actress Diane Lane and supported by actor Tim Robbins
• How music binds the generations in Appalachia
• How the multi-generational Kairos Dance Theater in Minneapolis brings together dancers from 9 to 90, and whose Dancing Heart program provides stimulation and inspiration to those in nursing homes
• How New York City’s Museum of Modern Art “Meet Me at MoMA” program makes the arts accessible to people with dementia.