Since the late 1990s, interest in the social and health benefits of the arts has increased. Stephen Clift, Kate Phillips and Stephen Pritchard assess the impact.
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The need for robust critique of research on social and health impacts of the arts (Taylor & Francis Online)
The idea that engagement with the arts has social value and can benefit health received a substantial impetus from the programme initiated by the 1997 Labour Government to address issues of poverty and “social exclusion”. The tenth Policy Action Team report on arts and sport (PAT, 1999) provided case studies of diverse community arts projects responding to local needs and circumstances. It emphasised the principle of equality of access to arts and sports and claimed that engagement can promote self-respect, self-confidence, a sense of achievement, and improve mental wellbeing.
The focus on the social value of the arts, prompted the then Health Education Authority to commission a review of community arts and health projects across the country (Meyrick, 2000). A survey of 90 community arts projects and 15 detailed case studies, illustrated the potential of the arts in promoting health. Stress was placed on the quality of artistic work produced, with inspired creative leadership from artists. Even in the absence of research, the report identified what have subsequently emerged as the key benefits of participation in the arts for health and wellbeing: improved personal skills, friendship, community involvement and opportunities to celebrate what is created (Clift & Camic, 2015).
In response to the Labour policy initiatives critical perspectives appeared in a book entitled “Culture Vultures” which questioned these developments (Mirza, 2006a)...Keep reading on Taylor & Francis Online.