A groundbreaking study, commissioned by the UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), quantifies the extraordinary impact that the arts and culture have on our physical and mental health. The research, conducted by Frontier Economics in collaboration with UCL’s World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health, has shown that participating in arts activities has measurable, significant benefits for individuals and society. From reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety to boosting productivity and quality of life, the findings reinforce the very core of our mission to use the arts as a tool for health and wellbeing.
Groundbreaking New Research Reveals the Power of the Arts to Improve Wellbeing
Mon 30 Dec 2024
"This report...represents an important step in demonstrating the profound impact of culture and heritage on health and wellbeing. For instance, the study highlights how cultural engagement can benefit adults’ general health, how arts activities can improve children’s self esteem, and how singing in choirs can improve the health of older adults."
The study highlights a range of health benefits resulting from engagement with the arts, particularly in the areas of mental health, physical health, and social wellbeing. These include:
- Improved Mental Health: Participating in music, dance, or theatre activities has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Engaging in creative activities activates similar neurological pathways as those targeted by medication, offering a non-pharmaceutical alternative for managing mental health.
- Physical Health Benefits: In addition to its mental health advantages, arts engagement also supports physical health. For example, participating in dance or movement-based arts can improve physical mobility, reduce frailty, and even contribute to reducing pain. Regular involvement in creative pursuits helps maintain physical functioning, particularly in older adults, reducing the need for costly healthcare interventions.
- Cognitive Protection: The research also showed that participation in the arts can help protect against cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. Creative activities, especially those that involve social interaction, stimulate cognitive functions and can delay the onset of age-related conditions.
- Improved Social Connections: Social isolation, particularly among older adults, can lead to significant health risks. Arts activities, which often bring people together in a collaborative setting, provide a powerful antidote to loneliness and help foster meaningful social connections. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of mental health issues and encourage people to stay active and engaged in life.
£8bn
The results indicated that involvement in the arts had a wider societal benefit worth around £8bn a year at current levels of cultural engagement through people’s improved quality of life and boosted productivity at work.
One of the most striking findings of the research is the financial dividend generated by arts engagement. The study estimates that the UK’s investment in arts and culture delivers an £8 billion annual benefit to society, stemming from both improved quality of life and increased productivity. This includes:
- Health Savings: The arts have been shown to reduce demand on healthcare services, including GP visits, hospital stays, and reliance on medication. For example, older adults who took part in weekly creative activities such as drawing classes at a local museum experienced fewer health-related issues, resulting in significant cost savings to the NHS.
- Increased Productivity: Engaging in arts activities also leads to higher productivity at work. The research shows that individuals who regularly engage in creative pursuits report improved mood, better mental health, and increased overall life satisfaction—factors that contribute to enhanced performance in the workplace.
This dual benefit—improved health outcomes and financial savings—is something we see consistently at Breathe Arts Health Research. Our arts-based interventions not only support the individuals who take part but also contribute to reducing pressure on healthcare services and improving societal productivity.
Read the full report here.
“Scientific research is increasingly demonstrating that the arts are a fundamental health behaviour, just like physical activity, diet and sleep. As individuals, if we want to live happier and healthier lives, engaging in the arts is an evidence-based way of achieving this aim. As a society, when we’re thinking about how to shift to preventative models of health, investing in arts and cultural training, activities and community venues should be considered a priority”.
The evidence is clear: the arts are a powerful tool for improving health, and their benefits extend far beyond personal wellbeing. By reducing strain on healthcare systems, enhancing productivity, and improving social cohesion, the arts provide a return on investment that can have a positive ripple effect across society.
As we look to the future, we hope that this research will inspire further investment in arts-based health initiatives. At Breathe Arts Health Research we’re excited to continue exploring the intersection of art and health, expanding our programmes, and reaching more people who could benefit from the power of creativity. Whether it’s through our work with new parents, those recovering from illness, or communities looking to improve their mental health, we remain committed to using the arts to create healthier, happier lives.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the arts can improve your health and wellbeing, or if you’d like to get involved in our projects, please get in touch. Together, we can continue to harness the power of the arts to transform lives.