The Art of Dying Institute, an initiative of the New York Open Center, is designed to address the need for a cultural awakening around the themes of death, how we die and the consequences for how we live. The Institute emerged from the collective knowledge and vision derived from five world-class Art of Dying conferences and extensive course offerings in end-of-life care, bereavement and the spiri
tual and scientific exploration of consciousness. Its goal is to foster and serve an engaged community of end-of-life care practitioners; those facing life-threatening illness and their families; researchers, educators, students and scholars; front-line innovators; and investors. Our Vision
Our vision is that our culture awaken to a deeper and more conscious engagement with death and dying, and that individuals and families can face death with as little fear or uncertainty as possible. Our Mission
Our mission is to build and support an engaged community that will play an essential role in the profound task of reshaping the understanding of and approach to death, how we die and, in turn, how we live. Our Approach
The Art of Dying Institute is a collaborative initiative that seeks to empower a new generation of thought leaders and practitioners to implement viable solutions that represent and meet an emerging societal demand for a more integrative, spiritually diverse, culturally supportive and informed approach to death and dying. In phases over the next two years, we will begin to:
- Offer integrative courses, workshops, advanced training and professional certification programs taught by experts and practitioners.
- Create opportunities for and actively support progressive research exploring spiritual, scientific and practical approaches to death and dying.
- Provide national and international forums for meaningful community exchange, discussion, information dissemination and engagement. Partner with frontline practitioners, coalitions and organizations, including hospice, palliative care units, hospitals and medical centers, universities, associations, foundations, related non- and for-profit organizations and other key stakeholders.
- Solicit investments at scale and mobilize funding and other resources that support an integrative and transformative approach to death and dying. OUR VALUES
Collaboration
We firmly believe, based on 20 years of experience, that nothing short of a collaborative effort will bring our society closer to realizing a more compassionate and holistic understanding of the dying process. Compassion
Compassion toward the dying is at the heart of the Institute’s approach and is a core value of all spiritual traditions. Leadership Service
The Institute’s commitment to a transformative, holistic worldview and its engagement with international thought leaders make it uniquely positioned to lead the exploration of these profound issues. Excellence
Bringing together the finest speakers and researchers in the world, the Art of Dying Conferences are known for their excellence and professionalism. We consider the high quality of our programming to be one of our hallmarks. Cultural Diversity
The Institute draws on a broad range of spiritual traditions and cultural perspectives. It is an ecumenical embracing of diversity. Legacy & the Transformative Power of Giving
We believe in the transformative power of giving and encourage all individuals, foundations, and institutions interested in alleviating human suffering to invest in and support an integrative approach to death and dying.
