Arts and health gain global recognition
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An international team of researchers developed a plan to integrate arts and cultural activities into healthcare systems worldwide.
Professor Agustín Ibáñez of Trinity College Dublin co-authored two papers published in The Lancet outlining this roadmap, alongside experts in health and the arts. These papers review evidence showing that participation in activities like music, dance, and theatre can improve mental, physical, and social well-being throughout a person’s life.
The researchers propose that healthcare should view arts engagement as essential to health, similar to exercise, diet, and sleep, but emphasize the need to adapt programs to local cultures. They call for equal access to arts programs, incorporating them into preventative healthcare, strengthening community involvement, and using proven arts-based treatments in hospitals and clinics. Ibáñez stated this moment marks a shift in medicine, moving towards recognizing cultural engagement as a core part of understanding and improving health.
The team plans to present their findings at Healing Arts at UNGA, NYC 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly, to encourage investment and further research in the field.
