The University of Texas at Austin has been tracking rising levels of anxiety and depression among students, which were increasing before the pandemic. According to pre-pandemic data from the National Collegiate Health Assessment, a biannual survey administered to a random sample of about 8,000 UT undergraduates and graduates, students reported feelings of anxiety and depression at rates similar to the national average.
In a new study published in June 2023 of undergraduate and graduate students in Texas, 60% reported that their mental health has worsened since March 2020, with symptoms of serious psychological distress.
Research has demonstrated that art, as well as animals, can have a calming effect that reduces stress and anxiety. We now understand that viewing art and petting animals can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which leads to feelings of relaxation and well-being. Studies also show that these same interactions can increase the release of endorphins, the chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and are linked to feelings of pleasure and happiness.
Landmarks offers dynamic programs to nurture the physical and mental health of the UT community, including meditations inside the James Turrell Skyspace, bike tours, fitness tours, mental health breaks, and more. Building upon these established activities, Landmarks introduced Paws for Public Art, a new program that pairs animals with iconic works from the collection.
Student holding a bunny under Nancy Rubin’s Monochrome for Austin
Paws for Public Art
Paws for Public Art, a collaboration between Landmarks and Longhorn Wellness Center, helps students manage stress with resources for maintaining their mental health. Students take breaks from midterm cramming to cuddle bunnies, chicks, hedgehogs, piglets, and miniature goats, while learning about four iconic works from the public art collection: Clock Knot, Monochrome for Austin, Circle with Towers, and Square Tilt. Useful stress management tools are also made available from the Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services.
Student holding a guinea pig inside Sol LeWitt's Circle with Towers
Student holding a hedgehog inside Sol Lewitt's Circle with Towers
Students feeding goats next to Mark di Suvero's Clock Knot
Promoting Wellness at Landmarks
Paws for Public Art joins a range of wellness programs offered by Landmarks. This includes Wellness Wednesdays, fitness tours, and bike tours that integrate art and well-being on UT's campus.
Wellness Wednesdays Sound Bath Meditation with Sonic Starchild
Visitors on Landmarks Fitness Tour
Bringing Inspiration to the Forty Acres
Regarded as one of the country’s top public art programs, Landmarks is a point of pride for The University of Texas at Austin. It began with a long-term sculpture loan from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the collection has grown to nearly 50 works across the campus landscape. Beyond beautifying the Forty Acres, Landmarks provides students free access to great works of art and public programs that foster personal growth and curricular connections.
Students at Sol Lewitt's Circle with Towers during Paws for Public Art
Impact Student Well-Being
Research shows that engaging with both art and animals supports emotional well-being. Help students stay centered by making a gift to support the annual event Paws for Public Art. Your contribution, at any level, creates unique opportunities for students to de-stress, directly improving their mental health. No gift is too small. Please give today!
Student with a guinea pig inside Sol LeWitt's Circle with Towers
All photography by: Sandy Carson and Ben Porter
