Capturing and conveying culture’s role in creating a happier and healthier society requires a more rigorous, connected, and long-term approach, argues Robyn Dowlen.
With an ageing population, NHS England waiting lists are shockingly high. Amid a national mental health crisis, it makes sense to look for creative solutions.
There is a growing interest in the value of arts and culture in supporting health and well-being. For example, the government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, aimed at tackling loneliness, has earmarked £5m to expand arts, culture and heritage activities across 27 target areas.
At the Centre for Cultural Value, we have spent the past two years exploring research to learn about the impact of culture on health and well-being. The evidence in this area has grown significantly over the past ten years. For example, studies show the positive benefits of music for people living with dementia
Research also highlights the role of social prescribing through the arts in supporting those with mental health challenges and the value of being creative in our everyday lives (including during Covid lockdowns).
Yet our deep dive has also highlighted the many things we still don’t know about culture’s role and potential in creating a happier, healthier society...Keep reading on City Monitor.
With an ageing population, NHS England waiting lists are shockingly high. Amid a national mental health crisis, it makes sense to look for creative solutions.
There is a growing interest in the value of arts and culture in supporting health and well-being. For example, the government’s Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, aimed at tackling loneliness, has earmarked £5m to expand arts, culture and heritage activities across 27 target areas.
At the Centre for Cultural Value, we have spent the past two years exploring research to learn about the impact of culture on health and well-being. The evidence in this area has grown significantly over the past ten years. For example, studies show the positive benefits of music for people living with dementia
Research also highlights the role of social prescribing through the arts in supporting those with mental health challenges and the value of being creative in our everyday lives (including during Covid lockdowns).
Yet our deep dive has also highlighted the many things we still don’t know about culture’s role and potential in creating a happier, healthier society...Keep reading on City Monitor.