“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”

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Why arts in health programming is important.

What is Arts in Health?

Video from UF Center for Arts in Medicine

https://arts.ufl.edu/academics/center-for-arts-in-medicine/about/what-is-arts-in-health/

benefits of arts in health

“There is a rich and growing body of research connecting arts in healthcare programs to an improved quality of care for patients, their families, and even medical staff. New evidence has emerged that demonstrates that these programs also have an economic benefit. When patients require shorter hospital stays, less medication, and have fewer complications, it is more than a good news story for that patient. It also means a reduction of cost for those services.” -Arts In Healthcare - State of the Field Report

“In this new healthcare era of increased transparency, rising consumer expectations, and spiraling costs, we need solutions that improve patient care and at lower costs. As a hospital CEO for 26 years, I witnessed how welldesigned and effective arts interventions can deliver these benefits. When the arts – music, writing, drawing, dance – are used in hospitals and palliative care settings, pain and anxiety are reduced for patients, which promotes healing and improves their care experience. I am optimistic that promising new research will show these programs will reap the additional benefits of shorter hospital stays, less medication, and fewer complications – potentially saving our healthcare system significant dollars annually.” - blair l. sadler Senior Fellow, Institute for Healthcare Improvement Past President/CEO Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego

“Research by the WHO Regional Office for Europe has shown that the use of artistic media in health care can have lasting benefits for health outcomes. The arts can affect the social determinants of health, support child development, encourage health-promoting behaviours, help to prevent health issues and support caregiving. They can also reduce stress, which help to prevent or slow the progression of a range of conditions including cardiovascular diseases and even some cancers. Creating and experiencing the arts can have profound effects for those affected by mental illness. Their ability to provoke cognitive stimulation is effective in the treatment of dementia and other conditions associated with ageing; the use of art to process emotion can be effective in treating depression and anxiety; and associated social interaction can be an effective way to prevent risk factors of mental illness including loneliness, discrimination and reduced social capital. The arts also play an integral role in health education campaigns. They can be used to communicate valuable messages across cultures and political divides, help affected communities understand the risks of certain diseases or behaviours and provide ways for affected populations to process and learn from traumatic events.” - World Health Organization (WHO) Arts and Health Initiative