About Healing Arts South Australia
About Healing Arts South Australia
Healing Arts South Australia is the first of its kind in the nation and in the Southern Hemisphere
Register your event Register your eventHealing Arts South Australia
Healing Arts is a global campaign by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organization. Produced globally by CULTURUNNERS in partnership with local organizations, Healing Arts encourages silo breaking between academic, cultural and policy communities to drive cross-sector innovation, investment and policy uptake in the field.
South Australia will be the first state in the nation and the first place in the Southern Hemisphere to host a Healing Arts activation. The week-long event will be open to the public to enjoy creative experiences and bring together artists, healthcare professionals, researchers, and communities to showcase innovation and best practice.
Healing Arts South Australia is funded by the Government of South Australia under A Place to Create, the State's landmark 10-year cultural policy. The initiative responds to Action 1.3.5 of the A Place to Create Delivery Plan 2025–2027: "Exploring new initiatives and partnerships to amplify and extend the health benefits of arts, culture and creativity for South Australian communities.
Healing Arts South Australia will celebrate four key themes:
- The art to growing up safe and happy
- The art to mental health in a changing world
- The art to connection through culture
- The art to ageing well
Arts in health
What is arts in health?
The arts, creative and cultural expression have been harnessed for centuries to help us understand ourselves, others and the world around us. In recent decades, we’ve learned more about the science behind how the arts support our health and wellbeing, including helping to prevent illness, manage health issues and promote wellness. Arts in health refers to the use of creative practices like visual arts, music, performance, writing and more to improve health outcomes and promote wellbeing.
What does it look like?
Using arts for health and wellbeing can look diverse and vibrant. It can happen anywhere. The field operates across a range of settings, including hospitals, schools, community programs, and public health initiatives, and aims to complement traditional clinical care through creative engagement. It also extends beyond formal settings, into museums, theatres, studios and our homes.
How is it helpful?
Arts in health is helpful because it contributes to improved mental health, emotional wellbeing, and quality of life for individuals and communities. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, support healing and recovery, and foster social connection. Beyond individual benefits, it strengthens health systems by improving patient experiences and staff wellbeing, while also contributing to broader social outcomes like community cohesion and resilience.
Facts and research
A growing body of research shows that participation in arts and creative activities can have a positive impact on health, wellbeing and social connection. Across communities, healthcare settings and wellbeing programs, the arts are valuable tools for supporting mental, physical and emotional health.
Healing Arts South Australia is committed to sharing evidence that helps build understanding of the role arts and creativity can play in improving quality of life.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, artist, researcher, policymaker or community member, these resources provide valuable insights into the benefits of creative engagement and the growing evidence base for arts and health practice.
Reports and publications
Image Credits (L-R):
© South Australian Tourism Commission
© Jonathan Cami
© Groove Terminator and the Soweto Gospel Choir
© Razan Fakhouri, Artist Recuerdos
