It Feels Like Having a Sugar Daddy. But in the Worst Way”: Thoughts from Racialized 2SLGBTQ+ Youth Artists in the Toronto Scene

In 2018, the little sister team decided to do some community-based research on the experiences of QTBIPOC youth artists in the Toronto and GTA area. this report was the result of our findings.

Read More

Towards gender equality in the cultural and creative sectors

This report focuses on the role that culture plays in promoting gender equality and, more importantly, how to achieve gender equality within the cultural and creative sectors (CCS). The EU Member States identified gender equality for the first time as a priority for action in the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022. Indeed, there are many reasons that this topic should receive the attention it deserves. Gender equality is a core value of the EU fundamental rights and a key principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights. It is also a precondition for cultural diversity. The promotion of gender equality and the fight against gender discrimination are twin goals of the EU, including in culture.

Read More

Canadians’ Arts Participation, Health, and Well-Being

Probes the relationships between 15 arts, culture, and heritage activities, and aspects of health and well-being. The research shows important linkages between the arts and health, linkages that are particularly important within the current pandemic and eventual post-pandemic recovery: a strong connection between cultural participation and overall health, and solid evidence of a connection between cultural participation and mental health.

Read More

Cultural Activities Linked to Lower Mortality

Research from the British Medical Journal shows substantial reductions in mortality for participants who engaged in cultural activities at the initial assessment point when adjusted for all identified demographic, socioeconomic, health related, behavioural, and social factors. Visiting museums, theatres, concerts and art galleries once or twice a year can reduce the risk of death by 14%, with more regular attendance lowering the risk by as much as 31%.

Read More

Social Impacts of Culture and the Arts WA

This Social Impact study from Australia identifies and quantifies social benefits in the broader community that are generated through participation or attendance at artistic and cultural activities. An extensive literature review was undertaken to identify positive social impacts clearly linked to artistic and cultural activities. The review covered a diverse spectrum of studies and identified three main social instrumental impacts that have the potential to be quantified: health, education, and social capital.

Read More

What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review

Over the past two decades, there has been a major increase in research into the effects of the arts on health and well-being, alongside developments in practice and policy activities. This report synthesizes the global evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being, with a specific focus on the WHO European Region. Results from over 3000 studies identified a major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan.

Read More

How do Artistic Creative Activities Regulate our Emotions?

A survey of almost 50,000 people across the UK found that taking part in creative activities helps people manage stress, face up to challenges and explore solutions to problems in their lives. Researchers identified three key ways that creativity is used: as a ‘distraction tool’ to avoid stress; as a ‘contemplation tool’, creating the mental space to reassess problems and make plans; and for ‘self development’, building self-esteem and confidence.

Read More

Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing

Potentially the most comprehensive overview of the field to date, this report provides evidence demonstrating the impact of the arts on health and wellbeing throughout all stages of life. The evidence consists of an extensive literature review and stakeholder consultations, including 16 roundtable discussions with a total of 300 participants. The report includes ten recommendations, many of which involve greater collaboration between the National Health Service, government bodies, research councils, public health organizations, and medical schools.

Read More

Creative and Cultural Activities and Wellbeing in Later Life

Age UK uses data from a national survey to construct an Index of Wellbeing in Later Life, and finds that out of the 40 factors assessed in contributing to wellbeing, creative and cultural participation was the single factor that contributed the most to wellbeing. The charity warns there are barriers preventing older people from doing the cultural activities they enjoy, and calls for increased accessibility for those aged 60 and over.

Read More

Artful Living: Examining the Relationship between Artistic Practice and Subjective Wellbeing Across Three National Surveys

Examines the effects of amateur and professional artistic practice, using three American datasets. Concludes that there is strong support that artistic practice is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, a more positive self image, less anxiety about change, a more tolerant and open approach to diverse others, and, in some cases, less focus on materialistic values and the acquisition of goods.

Read More

‘Artlift’ arts-on-referral intervention in UK primary care: updated findings from an ongoing observational study

Updated findings are presented from a prospective longitudinal follow-up (observational) design study of an arts on referral programme in UK general practice, over a 7-year period (2009–2016). Examining data from 1297 patients, the study finds that a course of arts-on-prescription is effective in the promotion of overall wellbeing, including in those with very complex care needs.

Read More

cARTrefu: Creating Artists in Residents

The aims of the cARTrefu project were to increase opportunities for residents and staff to participate in the arts and to develop and mentor artists to deliver sessions for older people in care settings. Finds that getting involved with arts projects can significantly increase wellbeing and sociability among residents at care homes.

Read More