In recent years, there has been a noteworthy surge in the broader exploration of the arts’ contributions to health, extending beyond the confines of the health sector. This heightened interest is rooted in the holistic and biopsychosocial perspective advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizing that “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of conditions or diseases.”
The concept of Arts in Health encompasses a wide spectrum of activities provided by the arts sector and the broader community, offering valuable resources for health professionals. These activities serve as interventions within therapeutic plans or contribute to preventive and health promotion initiatives, not only within the health sector but also addressing the broader well-being of diverse populations in community settings.
To know the status of the issue of the field of Arts in Health (Arts in Health) we recommend this resource of the World Health Organization (WHO):
What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review
Daisy Fancourt, Saoirse Finn
Health Evidence Network synthesis report 67, 2019
World Health Organization
link to more info and downloadable PDF
For a critical review of the Report, you can also refer to Clift, Stephen. (2020). Fancourt, D. and Finn, S. (2019) What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review.«Nordic Journal of Arts, Culture and Health». Vol. 2. No. 1 p. 77-83 [link]
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