Can art increase your wellbeing?

The therapeutic benefits of art, music and design have long been recognised in societies around the globe but until recently it has been anecdotes and not hard evidence that has supported the claim.

Hoping to add to a proven understanding of the links between art and design and health and wellbeing, the University of South Australia has launched the latest of its Research and Innovation Clusters, the Art & Design of Health & Wellbeing Cluster, which will focus its investigations on the nexus between these areas of practice.

Officially launched by Dr Lynn Arnold AO, former Premier of South Australia and champion of community welfare and social inclusion in Australia and around the world, the cluster will bring together researchers, practitioners and policy makers from diverse backgrounds to develop knowledge and understanding of how the application of art, architecture and design can make a key contribution to the improvement of health and wellbeing for individuals, communities and broader society.

“Health and wellbeing are influenced by so much more than just clinical and pharmaceutical intervention,” Dr Arnold said.

“The potential benefits that art and design can provide for mental health, pain management, community development and many other areas are only now being appreciated.

“The research undertaken by UniSA will provide valuable insights into the significant contribution that art and design can and do make to the health and wellbeing of our communities, and to us as individuals.”

(Source: University of South Australia)