For the first time, WHO studies the link between arts and health
“Bringing art into people’s lives through activities including dancing, singing, and going to museums and concerts offers an added dimension to how we can improve physical and mental health,” says Dr Piroska Östlin, WHO Regional Director for Europe a.i.
“The examples cited in this groundbreaking WHO report show ways in which the arts can tackle ‘wicked’ or complex health challenges such as diabetes, obesity and mental ill health. They consider health and well-being in a broader societal and community context, and offer solutions that common medical practice has so far been unable to address effectively,” Dr Östlin explains.
The report reviews arts activities that seek to promote health and prevent ill health, as well as manage and treat physical and mental ill health and support end-of-life care. In health-care settings, arts activities can be used to supplement or enhance treatment protocols. The report highlights that some arts interventions not only produce good results, but can also be more cost-effective than more standard biomedical treatments.
The report outlines policy considerations for decision-makers in the health sector and beyond.
Further resources on WHO website
- Report: What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review
- Fact sheet – What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being in the WHO European Region?
- Policy consideration: Intersectoral action between the arts, health and well-being
Source: WHO