K A Treble, Dipping My Toes In Dream / Thalassa, 2020 

We all might think that art is good for us, but now scientists are adding to research that's making it official. Daisy Fancourt, a professor of epidemiology at University College London, is about to make a case for the arts that is anything but subjective. Her new book, Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives, which will be published on February 3rd, assembles a decade of research arguing that cultural engagement produces measurable benefits for physical and mental health.

Fancourt's work combines research from public health and cultural policy, a field that has often been met with skepticism because of its reliance on small or anecdotal studies. Instead, her research taps into large-scale epidemiological data collected over long periods, much of it originally gathered for medical and social science purposes rather than for arts advocacy.

To start her research, Fancourt identified existing studies involving tens of thousands of participants tracked over decades. Seven of these studies, primarily based in the U.K. but also conducted internationally, included detailed questions about cultural engagement alongside data on income, education, social life, and health. The professor analysed these data sets and found a correlation between arts participation and health outcomes.

The Surprising Benefits of Art Engagement

The findings are striking. Fancourt's research shows that people who engage with the arts, whether by visiting museums, galleries, and concerts or by practicing creative hobbies like painting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, have better physical and mental health than those who don't. The benefits range from reduced risk of depression and dementia to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

One of the most compelling findings is the impact of art engagement on longevity. Fancourt's analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, which has followed a representative sample of the English population aged 50 and over since 2002, found that those who attended arts events had a 31% lower risk of dying over the 14-year follow-up period compared to those who did not. The effect held even after accounting for factors like age, gender, socioeconomic status, and baseline health.

K A Treble, In My Head I'm Here / Aurelia, 2023

The Mechanisms Behind the Benefits

So how exactly does engaging with the arts lead to these health benefits? Fancourt identifies several key mechanisms at play:

Stress Reduction

Participating in creative activities has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This, in turn, reduces inflammation in the body, which is linked to a host of chronic health problems. Visiting museums and galleries can also have a calming effect, helping people to unwind and recharge.

Social Connection

Many forms of artistic engagement, such as joining a choir or dance class, inherently involve social interaction. This can help alleviate loneliness and build a sense of community, both of which are important for mental and physical wellbeing.

Cognitive Stimulation

Learning a new creative skill, whether it's playing an instrument or taking up painting, challenges the brain and may help preserve cognitive function as we age. Passive engagement with the arts, such as attending concerts or visiting exhibitions, can also provide mental stimulation and spark new ways of thinking.

Emotional Expression

The arts offer a outlet for emotions that can be difficult to express through words alone. This emotional release can have therapeutic benefits, helping to process difficult feelings and experiences.

Damien Hirst, HG66 - Playful Chaos Hidden Garden, 2023 

Implications for Public Health

Fancourt's research has significant implications for public health policy. If the link between arts engagement and improved health outcomes holds up to further scrutiny, it could lead to a rethinking of how we approach preventive care and support for vulnerable populations.

"We need to start thinking about the arts as an essential part of the health ecosystem, not just a nice-to-have," Fancourt says. "Just as we invest in sports and exercise programs for their health benefits, we should be doing the same for the arts."

This could mean increased funding for arts programs in schools, community centers, and healthcare settings. It could also involve "social prescribing" initiatives, where doctors refer patients to creative activities as part of their treatment plan.

Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the causal mechanisms and long-term impacts of arts engagement on health. But Fancourt's work is a significant step forward in making the case for the arts as a powerful tool for promoting individual and community wellbeing.

K A Treble, Into The Depths of The Blues / Lions Gate, 2024 

Inspiring Your Journey with Beautiful Products

At Kati Kaia, we believe that engaging with art and creativity can have profound benefits for your mental and physical health. That's why we're dedicated to providing beautiful, high-quality products to inspire your wellness journey.

Our artist yoga mats, meditation kits, and other wellbeing accessories are crafted with care and intention. We want you to roll out your mat or sit down to meditate with a sense of pure joy, knowing that you're nurturing both your body and your mind.

Explore our collection and let the power of art and creativity transform your everyday routine into a mindful, restorative experience. Together, let's unlock the healing potential of the arts and cultivate a healthier, happier world! More connected, aware of ourselves, our human being and doing, with creativity through our souls...