Arts and health: supporting the well-being of forcibly displaced people
The European Commission, the World Health Organisation and the project CultureForHealth have published an analysis of how art activities help improve the health and well-being of displaced people.
Key points
- Globally, an estimated 84 million people were forcibly displaced in 2021. In the first half of 2022, more than 11.9 million people have had to leave their homes because of the war in Ukraine alone.
- Arts activities can play a role in psychological, behavioural and social processes that are linked with improved mental well-being, such as supporting the preservation of personal identity, heritage and experience.
- Engagement in arts activities can positively impact forcibly displaced people, as well as their host community, by promoting social inclusion, social cohesion, social acceptance and belonging.
- Artistic expression is an indicator of and a contributor to vibrant, resilient and healthy societies. Therefore, investment in the arts means investment in the well-being and social cohesion of both forcibly displaced people and their host communities.
Acknowledgements
This publication was initiated by the CultureForHealth project, which is co-funded by the European Union and led by Culture Action Europe. Key contributors include the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health, University College London; the Arts and Health initiative, New York University; and the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford.
Document type
- Report
Language
English
Publication Year
2022
Geographical focus
- General/no specific focus
Scientifc field / Thematic focus
- Humanities
- Medical and Health Sciences
Attachments
Images
Entry created by Admin WBC-RTI.info on August 10, 2022
Modified on August 10, 2022
