Key studies

Why art matters > Key studies

There is a fast-growing body of evidence demonstrating the health and wellbeing benefits of art to patients, carers and communities. Here, we have gathered the major reports and studies that have helped shape the arts in health sector and that we hope will help you make a case for arts in health activities.

Creative Health Review 2023

The National Centre for Creative Health and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing's Creative Health Review shows that creative health is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous society and that it should be an integral part of a 21st century health and social care system – one that is holistic, person-centred, and which focusses on reducing inequalities and supporting people to live well for longer.

BMJ Evidence for effects of viewing visual arts (coming soon)

This study published in the BMJ, reviewed the existing evidence on the effects of viewing visual artworks on stress outcomes, showing promising evidence for the effects of viewing artwork on reducing stress.

DCMS: The role of the arts in improving health and wellbeing (coming soon)

Published in 2020, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport commissioned this report by Dr Daisy Fancourt, University College London...

WHO: What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? (coming soon)

In 2019, the World Health Organization published the most comprehensive evidence review of arts and health to date...

Creative Health: The Arts for Health & Wellbeing (coming soon)

In 2017 the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts Health and Wellbeing published the findings of two years of research, evidence-gathering and discussions...

The Role of the Curator in Modern Hospitals (coming soon)

In 2015, Dr Hilary Moss of the National Centre for Arts & Health, Dublin, published a research report exploring the role of the curator in hospitals...

A Prospectus for Arts and Health (coming soon)

In 2007, the Department of Health and Arts Council England produced a prospectus profiling the benefits of the arts in improving wellbeing, health and healthcare...

Enhancing a Primary Care Environment: A Study of Effects on Patients and Staff (coming soon)

In 2006, Bedminster Family Practice published a large-scale study examining the effects of the primary care environment on patients and staff...

A Study of the Effects of Visual and Performing Arts in Healthcare (coming soon)

In 2003, Dr Rosalia Staricoff published the first attempt in the UK to evaluate the contribution of visual and performing arts in hospital settings...

About our collection

Our art collection is the only national arts in health collection. Over 2,000 artists are represented, including Bridget Riley, Antony Gormley, Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Maggi Hambling, and many more.