The arts and health

Why are the arts so important in the context of health?

We often think about art as an activity we do for a break, a form of entertainment or as a distraction.

While this might be true for many of us, art is not limited to being something we do just for fun. It has been and is a part of our daily lives.

The cartoon strips we read in the morning papers, songs we hum or listen to, the rhythmic chant of daily prayers or the eye-catching dance performance we see in promotional ads. Art is a part of our life, in some form or the other.

If we look at the various cultural contexts that exist in India itself, art has been a way of life – in the forms of dance, music, visual storytelling and so much more. It has been a form of sharing, teaching and learning.

Decades of research suggest that the arts can have a positive impact on the physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals and communities. The World Health Organisation defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” 

There is a growing understanding that the health of an individual or community also extends to an understanding of their contexts – geographical, economic, socio-political and psychological.

Art can serve as a powerful tool to help express ideas, thoughts and emotions. Many studies show how art is used in adversely affected groups such as those within conflict or living with chronic illness.

When we engage in art, we interact with it through our senses. We watch a performance or a painting, listen to poetry or music, smell or taste food or feel clay in our hands.

This is perhaps the point through which we establish a connection. It stimulates our bodies and mind to feel, reflect and create.

There are huge socioeconomic and cultural barriers in accessing health support. The arts are direct ways to open possibilities for people to feel seen or heard, to express themselves. The arts are in our lives and thrive in community driven spaces. What well-being means and how health looks, is different for everyone. It is extremely important to consider socio-cultural contexts when addressing it and taping into the arts can serve as that bridge to help people connect more.