Many people find the arts to be healing—and science backs them up, with research connecting support for the arts with greater well-being in the community. Fort Worth’s Amon Carter Museum of American Art is taking an extra step to promote health and happiness, joining the growing Blue Zones Project® movement for longer, better lives.
The Amon Carter is the first museum in Fort Worth and the nation to become Blue Zones Project Approved™ for its commitment to healthy practices. The Amon Carter will celebrate its achievement during the museum’s free Party on the Porch event, from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, September 17 (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd.). The event is open to the public and will feature art, live music, Blue Zones-inspired food from local food trucks and Central Market, and a special Blue Zones Project presentation at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more information.
To earn approval, the Amon Carter completed the Blue Zones Worksite Pledge, which promotes evidence-based actions for employee health and wellness. Amon Carter’s actions include lunchtime yoga and walking groups, employee bike racks and locker rooms, “microbreaks” to stretch and move, healthy options in vending machines, an employee-led wellness committee, and a policy supporting community volunteerism, among other efforts.
“Where we work has a major impact on overall health and happiness. When an organization like the Amon Carter stands up for well-being, it has a real impact on the community,” said Matt Dufrene, vice president of Blue Zones Project, Fort Worth.
“The Amon Carter has always played an important role in the cultural history of Fort Worth and we want to be part of creating a healthier, more vibrant future for our city as well,” agreed Andrew J. Walker, director of the Amon Carter. “By joining the Blue Zones Project movement we hope to inspire others to help make this city one of the healthiest in the nation.”
With the addition of the Amon Carter, Blue Zones Project, Fort Worth now has 60 approved worksites, 26 restaurants, six grocery stores, four schools, and three faith-based organizations, plus 14 participating organizations—all of which have optimized their environments to make healthy choices easier. Nearly 21,000 individuals have taken the Blue Zones Personal Pledge since the initiative kicked off in February 2015.