The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a pioneering report on arts and health which addresses a question that has emerged across disciplines: What are ways in which music, dance, crafts, design, and animation can contribute to health? Analyzing evidence from over 900 publications, this report reviewed the health benefits reported from active or passive participation in five broad categories of arts: performing arts, visual arts, literature, culture, and online arts to determine ways in which the arts can help improve physical and mental health. These types of arts can be used for disease prevention and health promotion, management and treatment, and community building and self-empowerment. For example, art therapy sessions have shown to reduce drowsiness and lack of energy in cancer patients, while also helping to reduce the fear of childbirth in expecting mothers. The report unequivocally shows that the arts can serve as a tool to address or supplement other medical treatments, calling for increased access to art and health programs, further promotion of public awareness of the benefits of arts engagement, and more research into the topic. Policy-makers, educators, health practitioners, and other professionals from all backgrounds can make this a reality to improve well-being and health outcomes for all.
Learn more about the types of projects we’re piloting in our studios to promote the connection between arts and health.