The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature

A review of current literature exploring the connection between Art, Healing, and Public Health, by Heather L. Stuckey, DEd, and Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH (2010).

‘This review explores the relationship between engagement with the creative arts and health outcomes, specifically the health effects of music engagement, visual arts therapy, movement-based creative expression, and expressive writing. Although there is evidence that art-based interventions are effective in reducing adverse physiological and psychological outcomes, the extent to which these interventions enhance health status is largely unknown. Our hope is to establish a foundation for continued investigation into this subject and to generate further interest in researching the complexities of engagement with the arts and health.’