Creative Medicine

A retired physician from the Navajo Nation has been named a MacArthur Fellow, receiving the so-called 'genius grant' for work in public art. The MacArthur Foundation awards the unrestricted fellowship annually to individuals showing exceptional creativity. Coverage highlights the unusual path from medicine to art, and the recognition of community-centered public art rooted in Indigenous experience.

A retired doctor from the Navajo Nation has been awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, the so-called 'genius' grant, in recognition of work in public art. The award highlights how her medical career and community-focused art practice intersected, tying creative work to health and community wellbeing on the Navajo Nation, and drawing fresh attention to Indigenous artists in this year's fellowship class.

A Japanese designer known as Niyu has submitted 'Find Out Game Over' to the annual Famicase Exhibition, a showcase of invented Famicom cartridge label art. The concept flips usual game logic: triggering a game over advances you to the next stage, and lives regenerate over time, described as 'time is the best medicine'. The challenge is finding fun ways to lose lives.

A breast cancer survivor has created an art therapy program, described as 'Creative Medicine', aimed at helping patients cope with illness through artistic expression. The initiative is being covered in local reporting, highlighting how creative practice can support recovery and emotional wellbeing alongside medical treatment.