A growing body of research now illustrates something we all have experienced and know to be true: just like exercise and nutrition, the arts play a vital role in our well-being. Whether you’re watching a live performance or participating in a class, engaging with the arts can reduce stress, boost mental health, and improve overall quality of life.
At MPAC, we’ve been delivering these benefits for over 30 years, offering more than 200 main stage events annually, inclusive arts education, volunteer programs and community events that serve everyone from toddlers to seniors.
Research shows that the arts are more than entertainment; they’re a wellness tool:
A 2025 University of Florida review found that arts participation builds social cohesion—fostering resilience, reducing isolation, and promoting healing.
The National Endowment for the Arts confirms that arts engagement leads to:
Atlantic Health’s generous support as MPAC’s official Arts and Wellness Partner marks a milestone in community care. Understanding and valuing MPAC’s contributions holistically to the health and wellbeing of community members, Atlantic Health promotes MPAC’s wide array of programs as a sponsor and advocate.
Together, we’re investing in a future where arts and health intersect, supporting programs that uplift, heal, and connect.
Watching a live performance – whether it’s theater, music, dance, or comedy – triggers the release of several “feel-good” hormones in your brain such as Dopamine (pleasure, motivation), Oxytocin (connection, empathy), Endorphins (joy, pain relief), Serotonin (contentment, balance), and Adrenaline (thrill, excitement). These are heightened when you are enjoying a performance in the presence of others.
“The accessibility of performing arts through centers brings these therapeutic effects into our communities, allowing people to experience healing activities that support both physical and mental health.” – Sampayo, Freddy. “The Healing Harmony: Social and Cultural Impacts of Performing Arts Centers.” Schallertech, 19 Jan. 2024.
Research demonstrates that youth who engage in the arts have improved academic, mental and psycho-social health outcomes. Participation in MPAC’s Performing Arts School classes, In-School Residencies, and Outreach Enrichment Programs in Morristown, Paterson, and Passaic provide students with opportunities to connect with peers, build self-confidence and public speaking skills, enhance their ability to empathize and relate to others, build teamwork skills, and boost their academic performance in school.
The Miracle Project at MPAC is an evidence-based program that uses theatre and music to help students with autism and other specific needs overcome their core challenges with communication, behavior, and social isolation.
MPAC’s Arts in the Community program offers free performances in Morristown where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, dance together, enjoy live music, and experience different art forms and cultures.
“Engaging with music by dancing or attending musical events was associated with higher subjective well-being.” – Weinberg & Joseph, Psychology of Music
MPAC’s Arts in the Community program offers free performances in Morristown where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, dance together, enjoy live music, and experience different art forms and cultures.
“Participating in art programs points to true health promotion including disease prevention effects, maintaining independence, and reducing dependency.” – Cohen, G. D., & The Center on Aging, Health & Humanities, The George Washington University (GW) (2006). The Creativity and Aging Study: The Impact of Professionally Conducted Cultural Programs on Older Adults
MPAC’s Creative Aging program offers seniors and those with dementia an opportunity to participate in visual art projects that stimulate their mind and memory along with their fine motor skills like dexterity though a collaborative creative process.
