Arts in health-care programs must be strengthened and expanded to improve America’s medical services, according to a two-part report issued by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The report states that advocates must raise awareness of the benefits of the arts in health-care, better document and disseminate research demonstrating its value, develop a national funding base, and develop adequate training to educate health-care workers and administrators. NEA Chairman Dana Gioia said: ‘The arts have an extraordinary ability to enhance our lives, to help us heal and to bring us comfort in times of great stress.’ A recent symposium, hosted by the NEA and the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, brought together 40 experts in medicine, the arts, social services, media, business and government to develop a strategic plan for advancing cultural programming in healthcare. The symposium's recommendations will be used as guidelines for developing programs and structuring policy by the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, the NEA, and other public and private organisations across America. For further information, CLICK HERE.