WAHWN News
Wales in the spotlight as arts, health and wellbeing gains global momentum
As global interest in the health benefits of the arts continues to grow, Wales and Greece are among the countries exploring how the arts and creativity can support health and wellbeing.
A recent article by The Art Newspaper, 'Interest in art's benefit to health grows as Wales and Greece take major steps', highlights Wales and Greece as two countries taking important steps to embed the arts within health policy. It references Wales' commitment to explore how investment in culture, arts and sport can support a wider shift towards preventative health and wellbeing, building on the long-standing partnership between Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh NHS Confederation.
The article also highlights Greece's national cultural prescription programme, which has now been embedded within the country's healthcare system. The initiative enables health professionals to prescribe participation in arts activities – including visits to galleries, theatres and community arts spaces – as part of mental health support for people living with conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Alongside these developments, the feature explores wider UK policy discussions, growing research evidence and increasing international recognition of the role of creative health.