The Getty in Los Angeles has launched a video podcast series called "Our Museum Mindfulness Meditation" (OMMM), hosted by gallery educator and meditation practitioner Lilit Sadoyan. Each episode begins with a breathing exercise, explores a selected artwork from the museum's collection, and closes with a mindfulness practice. The first episode focuses on Vincent van Gogh's *Irises* (1889), discussing its context, composition, and symbolism, and drawing parallels between Van Gogh's practice of finding solace in nature and modern mindfulness.
This initiative matters because it reflects a growing trend of integrating art with wellness, supported by research showing that engaging with art can improve health outcomes. By combining museum education with mindfulness, the Getty is creating a new model for audience engagement that addresses mental health and accessibility, potentially influencing how other institutions approach public programming. The series also highlights the therapeutic potential of art, aligning with the rise of art therapy and museum prescription programs.