The Arts, Health and Wellbeing Research Network

Arts, cultural and creative activities can encompass a range of different forms of activity undertaken individually or with others.

The Network embraces an inclusive approach regarding arts and cultural activities, and is open to people with an interest in digital media, poetry, visual arts, music, dance, and drama (live or on screen), as well as film, photography, literature, storytelling, monuments and murals.

Re-Mapping the State of Arts, Health and Wellbeing Research at ARU

Photo credit: George Shipley

The Arts, Health and Wellbeing Research Network was formed following the Re-mapping the State of Arts, Health, and Wellbeing Research at ARU event in July 2022, funded by the Health, Performance and Wellbeing research theme.

This cross-faculty event aimed to capture the breadth and depth of arts, health and wellbeing research across the University, as well as provide networking opportunities with a view to forming new cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Fifteen staff members and postgraduate researchers from across the University presented their research, representing a wide range of arts, cultural, and wellbeing activities, and arts therapies.

We also invited independent consultant Dr Emily Bradfield to produce a ‘creative capture’ – a visual summary – of the morning talks, while two Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research (CIMTR) students provided live music throughout the day.

As well as laying the foundations for the Network, this event gave us the opportunity to recognise ARU's strong track record of interdisciplinary working and gaining external funding from Arts Council England, research councils, and other funding bodies for research in the field of arts, performance, health, and wellbeing research.

Celebrating the intersection between health, wellbeing and the arts

Our next in-person networking event for ARU staff will explore the intersection of the arts, health and wellbeing through interactive and creative workshops.