Since the beginning of the 21st century, there has been a major increase in research into the effects of the arts on health and well-being. 

    However, because of a lack of awareness of the evidence underpinning these activities, the Health Evidence Network synthesis report aimed to close this awareness gap by mapping the current available evidence in the field of arts and health.

    Over 900 publications were identified, of which there were over 200 reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and meta-syntheses covering over 3000 studies, and over 700 further individual studies. 

    Overall, the findings demonstrated that the arts can potentially impact both mental and physical health. Results from the review clustered under two broad themes: prevention and promotion, and management and treatment. In each theme, a number of sub-themes were considered: 

• within prevention and promotion, findings showed how the arts can: 

– affect the social determinants of health

– support child development 

– encourage health-promoting behaviors 

– help to prevent ill health 

– support caregiving well-being

• within management and treatment, findings showed how the arts can: 

– help people experiencing mental illness; 

– support care for people with acute conditions; 

– help to support people with neuro-developmental and neurological disorders; 

– assist with the management of noncommunicable diseases; and 

– support end-of-life care. 

    A few of those studies reported show that creating art stimulates the release of dopamine. When dopamine is released, it produces a feeling of pleasure and well-being. It makes us feel happier. Increased levels of this feel-good neurotransmitter is crucial for those battling anxiety or depression. Also, many studies have shown that expressing themselves through art can help people with cancer too. 

    Another group of studies has been linked to improved memory, reasoning, and resilience in healthy older people. The regular use of art improves the ability to provoke cognitive stimulation and effectively treat dementia and other conditions associated with aging.

    Nowadays, there is no doubt that using art to process emotion can effectively treat all emotional-based mental illnesses and general health conditions. And if you associate art with social interactions, like in a festival, it can be an effective way to prevent mental illness and health problems risk factors.

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