Creative and cultural activities, such as art, music, theatre, and dance, have long been recognised for their potential to enhance well-being and health.
These activities provide more than just entertainment—they play a vital role in supporting various health priorities across communities. They can assist with:
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Social connection and community building
- Cognitive health and lifelong learning
- Physical health and rehabilitation
- Cultural identity and inclusivity
A resource booklet has been developed by the Creative Health Associates Programme. The booklet is an ‘at a glance’ resource, designed to quickly introduce health professionals to how creative and cultural activity can support health priorities. You can read it via the link below
‘Creative Health at a Glance’ Resource Booklet
In addition, a recent report funded by the Baring Foundation, the Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA) delved into the ways in which creativity can be harnessed to support mental health. Over a six-month period, the CHWA spearheaded a research project aimed at helping individuals and organisations in this field not only survive but thrive. Led by Victoria Hume, Executive Director of CHWA, and independent facilitator and researcher Minoti Parikh, the report’s vision is to promote a healthy world driven by creativity and imagination, emphasising that creativity and culture are fundamental to health and wellbeing. The approach outlined in the report advocates for proactive health creation, asset-based holistic solutions, and a communal, collective, and co-produced process. You can read the report via the link below.
Incorporating creative and cultural activities into health strategies is not just a supplementary approach—it’s essential. These activities offer unique, holistic benefits that address both physical and mental health, promote social cohesion, and support public health goals. By integrating these activities into health priorities, we can create healthier, more connected communities.
