Research shows that engaging with art offers numerous health benefits, including calming the mind and body, fostering empathy and connection, and improving immune function. To harness these powerful benefits, Landmarks has designed several programs featuring works from our collection to improve the well-being of our community.
Visitors can participate in immersive sound baths, mindfulness exercises, even an event pairing art and animals. Experience the calm, connection, and opportunities for reflection that these wellness programs provide.
Sunset Reset
Sunset Reset is a monthly wellness program designed especially for UT Austin students. Hosted on select Tuesday evenings inside James Turrell’s Skyspace, the program invites students to participate in stress-relieving activities against the backdrop of Turrell’s serene and contemplative light sequence.
This program is hosted in partnership with Humanitas and the College of Liberal Arts.
Paws for Public Art
Launched in 2023 to celebrate Landmarks' 15th anniversary, Paws for Public Art promotes well-being by providing mental health breaks with art and animals. The annual event helps students alleviate stress during university midterms. Each spring, petting zoos with miniature goats, hedgehogs, bunnies, chicks and piglets are stationed at iconic works in Landmarks’ collection.
This event is hosted in partnership with the Longhorn Wellness Center.
Wellness Wednesdays
On select Wednesday evenings, sound healer Sonic Starchild (Jen Vu) conducts sound bath mediations inside the Skyspace. The events offer an immersive, full body listening experience that uses sound to align the mind, body and spirit. Each session begins with a short, guided meditation, followed by the sounds of crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes and other instruments.
Mindfulness Mobile Tour
Available on Landmarks’ app, this mobile tour focuses on mindfulness, providing an interval of calm along with information about art in Landmarks’ collection. While the tour can be enjoyed virtually, it's best experienced it in person, listening to the audio recordings at each designated stop.
This tour was developed in partnership with the Longhorn Wellness Center.
The Color Inside Virtual Meditation
Meditation is a great tool for calming the mind and body. Landmarks’ virtual, self-guided meditation features Turrell's soothing light sequence, paired with original music by guitarist Matthew Lyons.
Student Resources
The University offers a range of resources to promote student health and wellbeing. Explore the list below for information on sleep hygiene, support groups, and more.
Longhorn Wellness Center
UT Austin SHIFT
Longhorn SHARE Project
UHS Sleep Kit Request Form
CMHC Wellness Workshops
Thrive at UT App
The Humanitas Student Well-Being Collective
Additionally, students are invited to download Equa, a science-backed meditation training app created by leading researchers in performance psychology. Equa's guided exercises are tailored to help you lean into life's challenges, sharpen your focus, and reset on the go. Click the link to download the app, using your @austin.utexas.edu email to get started. Try Equa here