Studies reveal that arts engagement, performing and creative expression can significantly help people experiencing mental health concerns, acute conditions and those with neurodevelopmental and neurological disorders.
The arts also provide opportunities to reduce loneliness and social isolation, build community connectedness, reduce stigma and reach populations less likely to engage in health care or experience more barriers to engaging with mental health support.
Art helps prevent and promote mental health by:
• Affecting the social determinants of health
• Engaging hard-to-reach communities including people experiencing homelessness and LGBTQ youth
• Supporting child development
• Encouraging health-promoting behaviors
• Helping to prevent ill health and/or memory loss
• Supporting caregiving
Source: World Health Organization: Health Evidence Network Synthesis Report 67 (Daisy Fancourt, Saoirse Finn)