Watson Clinic Foundation Event Explores Importance of Arts & Culture with Local Leadership

Guest Blog Post

Watson Clinic Foundation Event Explores Importance of Arts & Culture with Local Leadership 
The Watson Clinic Foundation is pleased to host The Infrastructure of Well-Being: How Arts, Culture, and Community Spaces Shape Health, Connection, and Quality of Life, an upcoming special event taking place on Thursday, September 10 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Catapult Lakeland at 502 E. Main St. in downtown Lakeland. 

Designed for leaders of local businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and public agencies, this dynamic leadership convening will explore how investments in arts and culture strengthen workforce well-being, economic vitality, community connection, and long-term quality of life. Through research, real-world examples, and cross-sector discussion, attendees will examine why arts and culture should be viewed not as amenities, but as essential community infrastructure. 

The centerpiece of the event will be a panel discussion moderated by Executive Director of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art Daryl Ward, and featuring Lakeland Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley, Vice President of Core Wealth Nate Dunham, Deputy Director of the City of Lakeland Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department Pam Page, President & CEO of Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Alice Koehler, and other community leaders. The program will also include remarks on the growing Arts & Health movement and highlights from the region’s newest economic impact study by the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance, along with a special opening performance by a Lakeland Symphony Orchestra quartet. 

This program is part of the Polk Arts & Health Collaborative Initiative and is made possible in part through generous grants from the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance and the Mayor’s Council on the Arts for the City of Lakeland.  

The Infrastructure of Well-Being panel discussion takes place from 12:00 – 1:00 pm, while networking opportunities and a special performance by a Lakeland Symphony Orchestra quartet will begin before the main event at 11:30 am. Click here for more information and to RSVP.