The Relationship Between Arts Engagement & Health
– New Report From Arts for Health

A report published by Arts for Health at Manchester Metropolitan University last month reveals that engaging with the arts and culture generally has a positive long-term effect on health and wellbeing. Under the auspices of the Cultural Value Project, initiated by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Dr Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt has compiled an evidence base comprised of fifteen longitudinal studies and uncovered evidence, stretching back a number of decades, which shows a significant association between engaging with the arts and longer lives better lived. Many possible reasons for this positive association are speculated upon by the researchers brought together in this report – from increased social capital to psycho-neuroimmunological responses – all of which are interrogated in detail.

Full report at : http://www.artsforhealth.org/research/artsengagementandhealth/