Arts and health work brings with it a diverse range of opportunity and connection. It can help shape years of thinking and practice that is both rich and inspiring for all involved.
It can be surprising and full of potential for everyone that takes part. Within this work, there is a chance to dance and play with ideas. To be curious and questioning about the arts. Trust plays a major part in the creative process, so finding the best way to communicate, engage and collaborate together is key.
There is a host of advice, toolkits and resources available online to help you develop ideas, practice and ways of working list below. Please make use of the toolkits and resources listed.
If you are venturing into this work from the first time, it’s important to consider and shape work that focuses on the needs of the participant. The participant is central to your practice. Their wellbeing should always remain the main focus of work.
Where might arts and health work take place ?
Here are some of the places where Arts and Health might take place
Hospitals
Community care
Rehabilitation and respite care
Hospices
Education settings
Community spaces
Public spaces
Residential units
Primary care/ community health
Mental health settings
Long-term care facilities
Maternity hospitals
What kind of Arts forms are involved in arts and health ?
There are so many offers in place to support arts and health. For example, you might be involved in theatre, dance, film, animation, painting, printmaking, photography, design, music, poetry, literature, spoken word. The list is endless and can involve any number of art forms working together or individually.
Further Reading