Wales’ arts sector is harnessing its creativity to tackle rising mental health challenges, launching an array of new creative partnerships across the country in recent months.
From creative workshops for former steelworkers in Neath-Port Talbot to art therapy for children with anxiety in North Wales, projects supporting mental wellbeing have surged following the last round of Arts Council of Wales’ Arts, Health and Wellbeing Lottery funding.
The Fund, which first launched in 2021, is currently open for new applications from partnerships among the arts, health, social care and third sectors responding to local and national health needs.
Catryn Ramasut, Director of Arts at the Arts Council of Wales, said: “At a time when both NHS and arts budgets are stretched, and the need for mental health and wellbeing support has never been more critical, we are proud to be supporting arts projects that respond to some major health challenges and make a difference to people's lives in Wales.
“Those who have secured funding already are, between them, supporting initiatives that span the full age spectrum, offering creative opportunities to support better mental health and help tackle the rising prevalence of social isolation and loneliness. The power of the arts in promoting health and wellbeing is well-evidenced and, as the Fund re-opens for applications, we hope to make a meaningful impact on communities across Wales during a time of unprecedented need.”
Arts and health initiatives funded in recent months also include photography projects for cancer patients in Velindre, programmes offering nostalgic art for people with mental ill health and dementia, live music and visual arts for young inpatients at mental health settings, and nature-based creativity for young people (for the full list, please see below).
Priorities for the Fund, which closes for applications on Wednesday 28 May, remain creative arts projects that connect people with nature, support mental health, address health inequalities, keep people active, or promote staff wellbeing.
For more information, including how to apply, visit here https://arts.wales/funding/organisations/arts-health-and-wellbeing
https://arts.wales/news-jobs-opportunities/wales-creative-response-mental-health