Art on Prescription? What Research Reveals About Art, Health and Wellbeing

What if your doctor prescribed a visit to an art museum?

It may sound surprising.

Yet hospitals and healthcare programmes in countries including Canada, Switzerland and the United States have begun recommending art experiences as part of patient care.

Yes, you read that correctly. In other words, they're prescribing art. 📝🖼️

The reason is simple: over the past decade, research into art and health has grown enormously.

The World Health Organization has highlighted the important role of the arts in health and well-being, while researchers at institutions including University College London, New York University, University Medical Center Groningen and Radboud University Medical Center have been studying how art affects us – both mentally and physically.

Window in Tahiti, 1935 by Henri Matisse

What fascinates me most is just how well documented these effects are becoming. Let's take a look at some of the findings. 

Art can reduce stress and anxiety. Even a short encounter with art has been shown to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Art can support mental well-being. Regular engagement with art has been associated with a lower risk of depression and improved psychological well-being.

Art can strengthen social connections. Sharing art experiences can help us feel more connected, improve communication skills and even reduce feelings of loneliness.

Art has a calming effect on the body. Several studies suggest that engaging with art may contribute to lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Art can boost your mood. When we experience a work of art that truly moves us our brain releases dopamine – the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation and well-being.

Admiring works by Yinka Shonibare and William Kentridge during one of our collector visits. 

I find this incredibly fascinating.

It is one of the reasons I have dedicated so many years to helping people discover and enjoy art. I have experienced these effects myself and witnessed them in countless people through my courses, collector visits, cultural events and advisory work.

It is exciting to see that research is increasingly confirming what many of us have intuitively felt all along.

The good news is that you don't need to make dramatic changes. Even small moments with art can make a meaningful difference. 

🖼️ Visit museums and galleries. An exhibition now and then can provide both fresh perspectives and renewed energy.

🏡 Surround yourself with art at home. Choosing artworks thoughtfully and finding pieces you genuinely want to live with can be a rewarding experience in itself.

📚 Learn more about art. A course, lecture, movie about art or good art book can make art encounters more rewarding and meaningful.

👥 Share art experiences with others. Exploring art with others makes the experience even richer. The conversations can be just as valuable as the artworks themselves.

Have you experienced any of these effects yourself?

Dining Room in the Country, 1934, Pierre Bonnard 

Every journey into art starts with a single step. You don't need to travel to a museum to bring more art into your life. You can begin today from the comfort of your own sofa. 

Here are two simple resources I created that will help you enjoy, understand and explore art with greater confidence for years to come.

🎓 Foundations of Modern Art in 3 Days – a short course that will transform how you look at modern art and give you the confidence to enjoy museums, galleries and exhibitions on a whole new level. Get the crash course here 

🎬 The Art Movie Guide – dozens of carefully selected films that let you discover artists, movements and fascinating stories while enjoying inspiring evenings at home. Get the art movie guide