Wales' arts and health organisations call for arts to play leading role in 'A Healthier Wales'

A series of innovative arts and health projects run across Wales during the height of the pandemic have sparked recommendations this Creativity and Wellbeing Week (16-22 May) for how art can take a leading role in creating ‘A Healthier Wales’.

Singing for dementia, creative writing to support addiction recovery and arts sessions for mental health inpatients were among 13 projects funded and supported by HARP (Health, Arts, Research, People) - a research and innovation partnership between the Arts Council of Wales, Cardiff University’s Y Lab and innovation foundation Nesta. All of the projects were collaborations between artists, community-based health and care organisations, local authorities and/or local health boards.

Long waiting lists for addiction support in Welsh-speaking areas of North Wales, for example, prompted the artist Iola Ynyr to partner with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Literature Wales to start Ar Y Dibyn (‘On The Edge’) and develop it into a national programme. The Welsh language project uses creative writing and other art forms to support people experiencing addiction and has been working with counsellors, Substance Misuse Services and housing associations, among others, to help people access support in a different way. 

As HARP ends, the experiences and impact of projects like Ar Y Dibyn have informed a comprehensive set of recommendations for Wales’ policy and decision-makers, as well as health care leaders, researchers and investors, aimed at securing greater support for creative and innovative approaches within Wales’ future health and care system.

Among the recommendations, published by HARP, is a call for the arts to become as central to plans for ‘A Healthier Wales’ as sport currently is. HARP also recommends policymakers identify and fund collaboration between arts and health bodies on key issues, such as mental health; social prescribing ¹ ; and supporting the wellbeing of health and care staff.

The HARP teams have also co-designed a model for innovation in arts and health, called ‘the HARP Approach’, which is designed to empower those running art and health projects to ask for and access the support they need to thrive.

Rosie Dow, programme manager at Nesta Cymru, said: “Despite the challenges of the past two years, the projects we’ve worked with have brought some amazing ideas and partnerships to life, giving us a glimpse of what’s possible if organisations work together to innovate.

“If we want a healthier Wales we now need funders, health and care leaders, and policymakers to recognise the potential of these projects and ensure they receive the investment and support they need to grow and reach more people.”

Sally Lewis, Programme Manager for Arts, Health and  Wellbeing at the Arts Council of Wales said: “Our investment in Arts & Health projects over many years has provided powerful evidence that the arts have a central role to play in supporting people’s health and wellbeing. And the pandemic has underlined just how relevant and necessary creative opportunities are as a source of self-expression, comfort, fun, social connection, relaxation, stimulation as well as solace.

“The HARP Programme has responded to current health challenges in dynamic, exciting and innovative ways, resulting in a distinct approach, rich learning and a number of important recommendations emerging. We look forward to working with our partners in Health to explore how we can jointly respond to ensure that everyone in Wales can benefit from the health and wellbeing benefits that the arts can offer.”

Nesta Lloyd–Jones, Assistant Director, Welsh NHS Confederation, said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts have played a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of people in Wales, as highlighted by these HARP-supported projects.

“Across the health and care system there is a growing understanding that access to arts opportunities and participation in the arts can dramatically improve health outcomes and wellbeing, counter inequalities and increase social engagement.

“NHS leaders recognise that creativity and the arts need to be part of the solution in helping tackle the indirect health consequences of COVID-19, now and in the future, and we must work with partners across all sectors to enable person-centred care to be provided.”

James Lewis, Director of Cardiff University’s Y Lab, said: “The combination of high-quality research and genuine creativity often leads to innovation that can positively impact people’s lives, and this approach is exemplified by HARP.

“We have worked alongside the teams, health leaders and participants during their HARP innovation process to support their use of appropriate research and evaluation methods. And our HARP Public Involvement and Patient Experience in Research (PIPER) group has provided a strong service-user voice to inform our research design and guide our impact in a safe and inclusive space.

“We believe the HARP approach allows space for greater creativity and innovation in the way our health systems frame their challenges and try to create solutions.”

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