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This paper describes a mental health-awareness audio tour of the National Gallery, London, and evaluates the development and implementation of the tour. This smartphone-based audio tour was co-produced by Gallery staff, young people with lived experience of mental health issues, academics, and technologists. Interviews (N = 22) were conducted with developers and data-collectors (who had gathered feedback from Gallery visitors who undertook the tour) with responses analysed thematically. Participants highlighted the value of the arts to raise awareness about mental health, and the importance of teamwork, lived experience, and co-production, but also raised the challenges of integrating low-budget projects into large-scale venues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper reports findings from a one-year UK knowledge exchange (KE) project completed in 2015. Stakeholders’ experiences of evaluation were explored in order to develop online resources to strengthen knowledge and capacity within the arts and health sector (www.creativeandcredible.co.uk). Methods: The project used mixed methods, including a survey, interviews and focus groups, guided by a Stakeholder Reference Group comprised of 26 leading UK evaluators, researchers, artists, health professionals, commissioners and funders. Results: The project identified opportunities for arts arising from current health and social care policy agendas. It also identified challenges including the lack of agreed evaluation frameworks and difficulties in evaluation practice. Conclusions: Co-production between stakeholders is needed to strengthen evaluation practice and support the development of the arts and health sector. Effective co-production can be undermined by structural and cultural barriers as well as unequal stakeholder relationships. The paper discusses recent initiatives designed to support best practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: This paper draws on new research exploring community-based, participatory arts practice in Northern England and Mexico City to discuss contextual influences on artists' practice, and whether a common practice model can be identified. The international comparison is used to interrogate whether such a practice model is transnational, displaying shared characteristics that transcend contextual differences.Methods: The study used multi-site ethnography to investigate the participatory practice of more than 40 artists. Participant observation and extended individual and group dialogues provided data on practice in a diverse range of art forms and settings, analysed using open coding and grounded theory principles.Results: Findings locate differences in practitioners' motivations, and perceptions of the work's function; however, key similarities emerge across both sites, in practitioners' workshop methodologies and crucially in their creative strategies for catalysing change. A model is presented distilling the key elements of a common practice methodology, found across the study and across art forms.Conclusions: The discussion notes where divergences echo nationalities of contributors, drawing inferences about the level of influence of national context in this work, and concludes with the implications of these findings for potential international collaboration, to face challenges within the community arts and health sector globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including role of philosophical and spiritual values, group drumming as a therapy for young female commercial sex workers in India, and development of a tool to measure music in health promotion.

Background: Parkinson's is a neurological disease that is physically debilitating and can be socially isolating. Dance is growing in popularity for people with Parkinson's and claims have been made for its benefits. The paper details a mixed-methods study that examined a 12-week dance project for people with Parkinson's, led by English National Ballet. Methods: The effects on balance, stability and posture were measured through the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale and a plumb-line analysis. The value of participation and movement quality were interpreted through ethnographic methods, grounded theory and Effort analysis. Results: Triangulation of results indicates that people were highly motivated, with 100% adherence, and valued the classes as an important part of their lives. Additionally, results indicated an improvement in balance and stability, although not in posture. Conclusions: Dancing may offer benefit to people with Parkinson's through its intellectual, artistic, social and physical aspects. The paper suggests that a range of research methods is fundamental to capture the importance of a multifaceted activity, such as dance, to those with Parkinson's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The value of a new evidence-based design approach to healthcare architecture is described and the range of evidence available introduced. The paper then focuses on the challenge of applying empirical research knowledge to a creative design process. Examples are given of the results of such an approach and of how we can develop design tools to transfer complex scientific knowledge into a “designerly way of knowing”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for less hostile and more humanitarian ways of caring for patients in health care institutions are becoming more widespread and accepted in Japan. In the city of Tsukuba, student groups are leading the way in developing ways in making hospital stays less stressful through arts programs. This paper is the result of direct participation, observation, and assistance by the hospitals, medical staff, and students who are organize hands-on projects and interactive art sessions designed to serve patients directly. The Arts in Hospital program is a useful tool in engaging community participation and communication among students and hospital staff. It provides a learning opportunity to students, and a creative outlet for patients on extended care. Active participation by students has a very positive impact on by giving them practical outlets to exercise their creativity and knowledge, while hospitals benefit through their service, which also cuts costs. Further research is needed to identify the direct benefit to patients, and the future prospects of arts-based hospital projects in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This practice-based paper discusses an approach to an innovative collaborative pilot project between Beamish Museum, The Living Museum of the North, and an Occupational Therapist. The “Men's Group” was developed in response to a growing need in the community for more opportunities for men to engage in activities to help combat isolation and mental and physical health issues. Despite the accumulation of qualitative data which indicated a hugely positive impact upon the well-being of the men who attended, this pilot highlighted deficiencies in previous approaches to evaluate and communicate such findings with others. It has since led to further explorations of more appropriate methodologies and key learning outcomes for both partners involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current government agendas for investigating the “Gross National Happiness” have spurred private and commercial organizations to consider whether their work has the potential to influence peoples' happiness and sense of well-being. The role of archaeological projects has yet to be considered, despite the body of research pertaining to their wider social values.Methods:By combining quantitative methodological well-being measures offered by positive and negative affect schedule and modified visual analogue scale (MVAS), this research evaluates if it is possible to identify the role archaeological projects play in enhancing well-being.Results:The analysis of the quantitative data is used to assess whether it is possible to quantitatively identify and link changes in cultural values to involvements in heritage projects.Conclusions:This paper sets out a methodological framework for analysing heritage well-being, providing guidelines for future evaluations of the cultural value of heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses arts as a way to cope with violence and mentions examples of public art in the city of Chicago, U.S., which often serve as symbols of cultural unity through their depictions. He invites readers to submit arts and health responses to deal with the impact of violence. The author also mentions the International Conference on Culture, Health and Wellbeing to be held from June 24–26 2013, in Bristol, Great Britain.

Dental anxiety in children is a major health concern. Process drama adopts distancing techniques that allow children to examine the possible causes of dental anxiety safely and with authority. Using this method to inform paediatric dentistry is novel and could be adopted in other fields where children experience health-related anxiety. A 90-minute process drama workshop was conducted in three primary schools in Batley,West Yorkshire. Sixty-three children participated in the study. Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis conducted. Four key concepts emerged: 1) Fear of the unknown; 2) Unpleasant sensory experience; 3) Society's perception and portrayal of the dentist and 4) Learnt negative associations with the dentist. Process drama offers a novel approach to develop an understanding of dental anxiety in children. It elicits critical insights from a child's perspective and offers a participatory model for engaging children in health research on sensitive issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the prevalence of dyspnoea (the pathological term for breathlessness) amongst the general population and the diagnostic importance of dyspnoea for respiratory illness, public awareness of dyspnoea is poor with an estimated two million people with undiagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder in the UK. We explore whether therapeutic letter writing is a valuable arts health approach for those living with breathlessness. Methods: Eighty (80) participants took part in 10 workshops held in community-based settings. The overall approach was qualitative. We analysed the data thematically. Results: Informed by theories of story structure, our analysis explores letters written to the breath in terms of there being a protagonist, antagonist, a process of recognition and reconciliation. Conclusions: Writing a letter to the breath facilitates new ways of relating to breathlessness. Letters create a personal narrative and workshops create a public story. Further research should explore whether therapeutic letter writing can support communication about breathlessness with clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing was formed in 2014 and, the following year, initiated an Inquiry into the relationship between arts engagement, health and wellbeing. This led to a substantial report being launched in Parliament in July 2017. Methods: The Inquiry comprised 16 round-table discussions, a series of expert meetings and a lengthy period of desk-based research. The latter applied a realist method in seeking to reconcile policy, practice and evidence. Consideration of the social determinants of health formed the theoretical framework. Results: Evidence was found of a beneficial relationship between arts engagement, health and wellbeing across the life course. Conclusions: Arts engagement can mitigate the social determinants of health by influencing perinatal mental health and child cognitive development; shaping educational and employment opportunities and compensating for work-related stress; building individual resilience and enhancing communities. Further research is needed in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Migrant populations are among the hardest to reach for research purposes. Methods: An interdisciplinary research team piloted a modified version of Boal's simultaneous dramaturgy with Roma mothers in Belfast. Results: The technique, based on scripted performances, translations, and discussions, proved effective for engaging with this hard-to-reach population, despite low levels of literacy, high language barriers, and cultural separateness. The approach uncovered attitudes to pregnancy which reinforce health inequalities, and present significant challenges for improving the health of marginalized populations. Conclusions: This pilot underlines the importance of building trust through holistic approaches to working with hard-to-reach populations through the creative arts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This review focused on evaluation of United Kingdom social prescribing schemes published in peer-reviewed journals and reports. Schemes, including arts, books, education and exercise "on prescription" refer patients to community sources of non-clinical intervention. Method: A systematised review protocol appraised primary research material evaluating social prescribing schemes published 2000–2015. Searches were performed in electronic databases using keywords, and articles were screened for evaluation of patient data, referral process, assessment method and outcomes; non-evaluated articles were excluded. Results: Of 86 schemes located including pilots, 40 evaluated primary research materials: 17 used quantitative methods including 6 randomised controlled trials; 16 qualitative methods, and 7 mixed methods; 9 exclusively involved arts on prescription. Conclusions: Outcomes included increase in self-esteem and confidence; improvement in mental well-being and positive mood; and reduction in anxiety, depression and negative mood. Despite positive findings, the review identifies a number of gaps in the evidence base and makes recommendations for future evaluation and implementation of referral pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A variety of cultural activities can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues that provide artistic opportunities for those experiencing mental illness, and for outreach to communities who are less likely to engage with the arts. Method: This study evaluated the impact of two lightbox exhibitions in urban public spaces in London, England, using interlinked crosssectional surveys. Numerical data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis used to analyse textual data. Results: The findings indicated that the artwork challenged negative attitudes towards mental illness, created empathy with artists and provided a forum for reflection about mental health. Conclusions: This mode of exhibition raises awareness of mental health, reaches an audience that may be marginalized from mainstream cultural activity and helps build resilience and civic pride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evaluations of participatory arts and mental health projects have consistently found improvements in mental wellbeing but the part played by the creative aspects, as distinct from the benefits of social interaction, remains unclear. Methods: This study explored the specific part played by the creative aspects of introductory arts courses that aim to improve mental well-being. Nine course participants consented to recording of accreditation assessment meetings held with them towards the end of their course. Results: Thematic analysis identified themes relating to two categories: creative processes and the learning that ensued. The creative processes were playful experimentation and inspiration. Learning processes revolved around learning to learn and artistic development. Conclusions: Previous studies have found play, inspiration and learning to be associated with well-being. It therefore seems reasonable to conclude that the creative aspects of the courses did play an important part in improving participants' well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An account is provided of a UK national seminar series on Arts, Health and Wellbeing funded by the Economic and Social Research Council during 2012–13. Four seminars were organised addressing current issues and challenges facing the field. Details of the programme and its outputs are available online. A central concern of the seminar programme was to provide a foundation for creating a UK national network for researchers in the field to help promote evidence-based policy and practice. With funding from Lankelly Chase Foundation, and the support of the Royal Society for Public Health, a Special interest Group for Arts, Health and Wellbeing was launched in 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the number of arts-in-health programmes globally continues to increase, there is an growing need for a systematic approach to evaluation both to provide evidence of the efficacy of projects and support continuous quality improvement. The Arts Observational Scale (ArtsObS) is proposed as a mixed-methods tool to evaluate performing arts activities in health care settings. Methods: The tool was developed over two years involving a consultation process with 1,500 patients, relatives and staff, and validated over a six-month period with 805 patients. Construct validity was assessed through extensive literature reviews, and score distributions, inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity were assessed using Pearson's/Spearman's coefficient. Results: Organising constructs were grounded in both empirical and theoretical research. Data collected with the tool were well distributed. Inter-rater reliability was very strong (r =.721, p <.001) and concurrent validity was strong (r =.641, p <.001). Conclusions: ArtsObS is a reliable way of evaluating the impact of arts programmes in health care settings and is recommended to practitioners, project managers and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three year “Ways of Seeing” project was hosted by an award-winning museum and included adults with long-term diagnoses associated with mental health and physical impairments. The participants were involved throughout the project, preparing and curating artwork for a major public exhibition.Methods:Qualitative data were collected to explore meanings of the project from the perspective of participants, the project manager and the public, using interviews, participant observation and comment cards.Results:The project was successful in engaging the participants who had previously often felt excluded from mainstream art spaces. Findings about the benefits of arts participation echoed other studies but participants highlighted some difficulty with the ending of the project. Public perceptions were positive, acclaiming the thought-provoking quality of the exhibition. Interviews and participant observation revealed the importance of egalitarian leadership, mutual trust and the absence of any therapeutic agenda.Conclusion:Developing similar projects would offer opportunities to foster diverse artistic communities and empower people with experiences of disability and mental health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is considerable evidence that participating in music making can have benefits for children and young people. This research explored how participation in making music might support the social, emotional and cognitive well-being of older people.Methods: Comparisons were made between older people participating in a wide range of musical and other activities in relation to their responses to questionnaires and psychological needs scales (the CASP-12 and the Basic Needs Satisfaction Scale; Deci & Ryan, 2000). Comparisons were also made between those older people participating in the musical activities who were in the third and fourth ages.Results: Factor analysis of responses revealed three factors: purpose (having a positive outlook on life); autonomy and control; and social affirmation (positive social relationships, competence and a sense of recognised accomplishment). Comparisons between those participating in the music groups and those participating in other activities revealed statistically significant differences on all three factors with the music groups giving more positive responses. There was also no deterioration in responses in the music groups between those in the third and fourth ages as might have been expected except in relation to purpose.Conclusions: Actively participating in making music has beneficial effects on the well-being of older people. Further research is needed to identify the mechanisms through which music is able to achieve these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD) is a long term respiratory condition with a high prevalence rate and associated with considerable physical and psychological morbidity. This research aims to examine the perceptions of people with COPD taking part in regular group singing, in terms of feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness.Methods: The overall approach was a pre-test, post-test feasibility element and a nested qualitative component. Measures of respiratory function and self-reported quality of life were collected from participants engaged in a 36 week singing programme. Written comments from 97 individuals, reported here, were collected at baseline, mid-point and end-point. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis.Results: Participants noted limitations due to their respiratory condition but a large number expressed beliefs that singing had led to improvement and this appeared to be incremental over the time of the project. Other comments related to positive effects on physical health more broadly, on psychological wellbeing and on the social support gained through meeting others with COPD. Comments relating to the overall programme and the research itself were overwhelmingly positive.Conclusions: Findings suggest that singing is perceived as both acceptable and beneficial to people with COPD. Evidence from participants served as a useful supplement to the quantitative findings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:This study sought to determine the effects of a heritage-in-health intervention on well-being. Benefits of arts-in-health interventions are relatively well-documented yet little robust research has been conducted using heritage-in-health interventions, such as those involving museum objects.Methods:Hospital patients (n = 57) participated in semi-structured, 30–40 minute facilitated interview sessions, discussing and handling museum objects comprising selections of six artefacts and specimens loaned from archaeology, art, geology and natural history collections. Well-being measures (Positive Affect Negative Affect Scale, Visual Analogue Scales) evaluated the sessions while inductive and deductive thematic analysis investigated psycho-educational features accounting for changes.Results:Comparison of pre- and post-session quantitative measures showed significant increases in well-being and happiness. Qualitative investigation revealed thinking and meaning-making opportunities for participants engaged with objects.Conclusions:Heritage-in-health sessions enhanced positive mood and social interaction, endorsing the need for provision of well-being-related museum and gallery activities for socially excluded or vulnerable healthcare audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: This article compares British and Danish promotion of well-being through participation in art activity to empower the individual. It examines the influence of national, social and political contexts on art and health community projects by comparing practice and project outcomes.Method: Based on two case studies, the article draws on specific evidence in Britain and Denmark. The approach taken is one of the psychosocial inquiries allowing reflection on practice including participants' testimonies.Results: The two cases showed comparable problems with restricted resources, funding and organisational limitations to service delivery. The British case study shows a bottom-up approach in contrast to the Danish case study where the approach is top-down. Although the benefits from participation in art activities in the two countries were influenced by a complex set of different interacting factors, outcomes were typically similarly positive: finding identity, feeling a sense of well-being and increased self-confidence.Conclusion: In terms of practice, policy and research and in the recognition of value of art participation, the comparison demonstrates how different stories, contexts and institutions engage in different ways to facilitate and enable service users as well as generating different challenges; recognising the benefits of developing best practice guidelines in art practice in health settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims:The article aims to provoke new pathways within arts and health research that engage with the spatialities of arts-based interventions for building social and emotional well-being. We adopt an understanding of social and emotional well-being as a situated and relational effect rather than an individually acquired attribute.Methods:A social scientist and a choreographer both accompanied a mask-making workshop for exploring identity and body language with children aged 5 and 6 at a primary school in the North of England.Results:The collaboration generated an alternative emphasis on movement, rather than behaviour, as the focus of managing spatialities.Conclusions:The arts practitioner has to facilitate a balance of movements that, within the intended practices of the session, can be categorised as controlled, uncontrolled and improvised. This attention to movement enables a versatile conceptualisation of social and emotional well-being that is still situated and relational but also expressive of habituation and improvisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to understand the psychological and social aspects of how art-viewing, in a public art gallery, could be used as an activity to support family carers of people with mental health problems. Methods: Using grounded theory methodology, interviews from eight carer-participants and two facilitator-participants were analysed, along with podcasts created from audio-recordings of the gallery sessions. Results: Art-viewing was conceptualised as an experience that engaged carers on emotional, aesthetic and educational levels. Psychological processes such as mentalising, reflexivity and externalising were identified in the responses stimulated by art-viewing. Conclusions: The findings suggest that art-viewing in a group within a gallery setting has the potential to be used more widely as a community-based, low-cost and non-clinical activity to provide social and psychological support for carers of people with mental-health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]