WAHWN News

The Economic Impact of the Arts on Health and Healthcare Services in Wales

Welsh Strictly Come Dancing pro Amy Dowden joins in a Dance to Health class at the launch of Arts Council of Wales’ report
Image: Professional Dancer Amy Dowden, Dance to Health Teacher Emma Jenkins and class participants. Credit: Images by Wales News Service

The arts and creativity deliver at least £588 million a year in health and productivity benefits, a new Wales-wide report has revealed.

‘Assessing the Economic Impact of the Arts on Health and Healthcare Services in Wales’, research led by Bangor University, highlights the powerful role the arts can play in supporting public health and reducing pressure on essential services, while also delivering wellbeing benefits for people of all ages.

This is the first nation-wide assessment of the economic impact of engagement with the arts on public health and social care in Wales. Among the findings, researchers identified that investment in Arts Council of Wales multi-year funded organisations generates an estimated £11.08 return for every £1 invested, in terms of health, wellbeing and productivity.

You can read the full report and summary here