Why Art Might Just Be What The Doctor Ordered

According to a recent article published by Business Insider UK, studies suggest being creative may lower stress levels and anxiety. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing (APPGAHW) recently published a report that shines a spotlight on the significant impact of the Arts in various settings. Here’s a few key findings from their study:

• Within deprived communities in London where there has been participatory art programmes, there has been a 79% increase in participants eating more healthily, 77% engaged in more physical activity and 82% of people surveyed enjoyed greater wellbeing. 
• Hosted by community organisations and cultural venues, arts-on-prescription activities reduce anxiety, depression and stress and aid in the management of long-term conditions. They are so life changing that an arts on prescription project found a 37% decrease in GP consultation rates and a 27% reduction in hospital admissions- creating a saving of £216 per a patient. 
• The participatory arts provide a great space for co-production – equal involvement by people using services.

There is no doubt of the long term positive effects of arts on physical, emotional and social wellbeing. At Artbox London, we fully believe that the arts has the transformative power to change lives. You can find out more about the impact of our work here: