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How art improves mental health and wellbeing

A woman wearing a grey checked top and a headscarf is making a pot out of clay.

Image source: Andy Chappell

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Last updated

23rd May 2023

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The arts have long been recognised as a powerful tool to promote mental wellbeing and connection. That’s why we started Future Reset.   

For thousands of years, the arts have been a means for expression, communication, and therapy. But not only that, the arts are entrenched in cultural traditions. First Nations peoples are leaders when it comes to understanding how arts, culture and wellbeing are intrinsically connected. And we look to the First Nations community to learn from their holistic approach to embedding arts and culture as a protective factor for mental wellbeing - in every part of community life. 

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As a proud First Nations woman, I have been raised to understand that art, love and culture are entwined. I believe that our mental wellbeing and connection to culture go hand in hand. Art is healing, it helps us connect to ourselves, to our ancestors & to our future generations. It is integral that we stay connected to all of the things that remind us of who we are, and where we belong, whilst being grounded in the love of self & of our people.

Rosie Kalina Wemba Wemba & Gunditjmara woman Future Reset Young Creative Leader YIRRAMBOI
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Here’s what the research says:

Strong research shows that using arts and creativity can be used as a health promotion tool to enhance communities' mental wellbeing (4). The arts, creativity and culture are increasingly being recognised as having a vital role in promoting positive outcomes for health and mental wellbeing (5). Evidence suggests that arts and cultural activities are complex health interventions, capable of addressing the social determinants of health (1). These activities can support children and young people across their lifespan and are the foundation for First Nations wellbeing. 

Research also tells us that art is a powerful tool to combat loneliness and isolation, both on an individual and community level. Attending a live music performance, watching live theatre, and even going to see a movie can provide feelings of social connectedness, commonality and belonging, and collective understanding (6). So as a health promotion tool, the value of arts and creativity can’t be understated. 

Here’s just some examples:

  • Music - engagement in structured music and singing can enhance our sense of purpose in life (7). In young adults, listening to music can alleviate anxiety and improve wellbeing. Even short periods of listening can enhance mood (7). In pregnant women, music therapy has been shown to reduce the intensity of stress, anxiety and depression (7). 

  • Performance art - participation in group dance has improved social and mental wellbeing outcomes for young people. This includes improved confidence, mood enhancement, self-esteem, feelings of belonging and a reduction in depression (8). Dance has also shown to have positive impacts on peoples perceived mood, stress and anxiety (9). Engaging in theatre can offer an increased sense of belonging, connection to community and social engagement.  

  • Visual arts and crafts - among young people with anxiety, painting, colouring and clay making can be effective in decreasing self-reported anxiety (10).  

  • Social cohesions and connection - art can provide a sense of community and social connection. Creating and experiencing arts and culture can help foster meaningful relationships and provide a sense of belonging (11). The arts can be a way to share and understand the diverse stories of people across Australia (11). Young people believe the arts are a tool to understand the world, to connect with their peers and community and can enhance their health and wellbeing (11). 

Plus, many young creatives have told us:

  • "Art provides a language for what you want and need, and one that can be understood universally" 

  • "Art is a medium to develop a sense of self, perspective of the world, finding solidarity with other people who have similar challenges/experiences" 

  • "Arts is a medium that equalises between generations and a way to shift power to young people as they participate in the space." 

Don’t just take our word for it. Hear Jessi’s story about how art enhanced her mental wellbeing at a key time in her life.   

FURTHER READING:

SUPPORT SERVICES

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (24 hours, 7 days) 

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 (24 hours, 7 days) 

QLife (LGBTIQ+): 1800 184 527 (3pm - midnight, 7 days) 

References

  1. Davies C, et al (2015) The art of being mentally healthy. BMC Public Health 16(15) doi: 10.1186/s12889-015-2672-7.  

  2. Australia Council for the Arts 2015, Arts Nation: An Overview of Australian Arts, 2015 Edition, Sydney, Australia.  

  3. Fanian S, Young S, Mantla M, Daniels A, Chatwood S. Evaluation of the Kòts'iìhtła ("We Light the Fire") Project: building resiliency and connections through strengths-based creative arts programming for Indigenous youth. Int J Circumpolar Health. 2015;74:27672. doi: 10.3402/ijch.v74.27672  

  4. Davies C & Pescud M (2020) The arts and creative industries in health promotion, see: www.vichealth.vic.gov.au.  

  5. Daykin, N., & Joss, T. (2016). Arts for health and wellbeing: An evaluation framework . London: Public Health England.  

  6. Perkins, R., Mason-Bertrand, A., Tymoszuk, U. et al. Arts engagement supports social connectedness in adulthood: findings from the HEartS Survey. BMC Public Health 21, 1208 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11233-6  

  7. Daykin N, Mansfield L, Meads C, Julier, G, Tomlinson, A, Payne, A, Grigsby, L, Grigsby Duffy, Lane, J, D’Innocenzo, L, Burnett, A, Kay, T, Dolan, P, Testoni, S and Victor, C et al. What works for wellbeing? A systematic review of wellbeing outcomes for music and singing in adults. Perspectives in Public Health. 2018;138(1):39-46. doi:10.1177/1757913917740391 

  8. Mansfield L, Kay T, Meads C, Grigsby-Duffy L, Lane J, John A, et al. Sport and dance interventions for healthy young people (15-24 years) to promote subjective well-being: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2018;15(8):e020959. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020959 

  9. Martin L, Oepen R, Bauer K, Nottensteiner A, Mergheim K, Gruber H, et al. Creative Arts Interventions for Stress Management and Prevention-A Systematic Review. Behavoral Sciences. 2018;8(2):22. doi: 10.3390/bs8020028.  

  10. Sandmire D, Rankin N, Gorham S, Eggleston D, French C, Lodge E, et al. Psychological and autonomic effects of art making in college-aged students. Anxiety Stress Coping. 2016;29(5):561-9. doi: 10.1080/10615806.2015.1076798. 

  11. Fielding, Kate, Iva Glisic and Jodie-Lee Trembath. November 2019. Transformative: Impacts of Culture and Creativity. Produced by A New Approach (ANA) think tank with lead delivery partner the Australian Academy of the Humanities. Canberra.