Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media today announced a national symposium on creativity, health and wellbeing co-hosted by the Creative Ireland Programme, the Department of Health (Healthy Ireland), the Health Service Executive and the Arts Council.

The Symposium will:

• consider the evidence base regarding the health benefits from the creative arts
• discuss arts and health activities in hospitals that can help deliver better health outcomes for patients and their carers
• explore the operational role of the arts, cultural and creative sectors in delivering healthcare and wellbeing in the community

Minister Martin said:

“The benefits that arts, culture and creative engagement bring to people’s mental wellbeing are increasingly being recognised in research. Indeed, this understanding was brought into very sharp focus during Covid-19 and the periods of social isolation we experienced as a result. I am, therefore, committed to collaborating with colleagues across Government to bring forward targeted, evidence-based initiatives that deliver benefits to health and wellbeing through arts, culture and creativity in a sustainable manner.”