Arts, Health and Wellbeing Manifesto
Authors(s), Creator(s) and Contributors: WAHWN
Publication Date: 30/10/2025
Categories: Resource Packs / Kits, Tools, Other, Featured
Supporter(s)/Funder(s): WAHWN Members
Introduction
The arts are a powerful force for individual and social wellbeing, fostering resilience, social connection, and improved mental and physical health and wellbeing. A significant and growing body of evidence highlights the economic and social value of long-term investment in the arts to support mental and physical health. Additionally, evidence shows increasing engagement with the arts can help to mitigate against negative impacts of living in less affluent areas.
The arts and culture are embedded throughout key Welsh Government policies, frameworks and strategies, including the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the National Framework for Social Prescribing. The Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales) 2015 is a key driver in Wales urging public bodies to embed arts and culture within their wellbeing goals.
As Wales approaches the 2026 Senedd elections, we urge all political parties to commit to bold and transformative action to embed the arts within health and social care systems.
The arts are not a luxury – they are a necessity for a healthier, more connected Wales. We urge all political parties to commit to these actions and ensure that arts and culture are fully integrated into health and wellbeing strategies.
Together, we can create a Wales where creativity thrives, health improves and communities flourish.
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Tags: Manifesto, Election, Election Ready, Call to Action, Policy
