Resources | Art for Mental Wellness

Resources: Mental Wellness

Articles. Research. Data. Insights.

Connecting Art, Creativity, & Museums

"I daydream about how I would draw or paint something similar. Even this daydreaming (without any action) gives me great delight." Read more...

Feeling Artsy? Here's How Making Art Helps Your Brain

"So that means that no matter your skill level, you'll be able to feel all the good things that come with making art." Read more...

Experts Explain How Making Art While You’re Stuck At Home Can Help Mental Health

"Whether you pick up a paintbrush, write out your feelings in a journal, decorate cakes, or do a spontaneous dance around the kitchen, artistic expression can be very helpful for mental health." Read more...

Could Looking at a Painting Improve Your Pain?

"Anyone can admire a nice piece of art, enjoy soothing music, or color a mandala without being judged by others. Journaling, painting, or just doodling can be as private or as social as you want it to be. What matters is that it helps you find some pain relief." Read more...

Why keep learning? Using Your Brain to Improve Wellbeing

Learning has been shown in the research to help improve and maintain our well-being. It can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, help build a sense of purpose, and foster connection with others.

Top Visitor Attraction Trends for 2020 (Wellness!)

"Discussions about mental health and wellbeing are no longer taboo, and wellness is big business. Even attractions are getting involved, seemingly recognising the important role they can play in supporting visitors and raising awareness." Read more...

What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?

"This report has mapped the evidence on the potential value of the arts in the promotion of good health, the amelioration or prevention of a range of mental and physical health conditions, and the treatment or management of acute and chronic conditions arising across the lifespan." [This report from the World Health Organization is long, filled with excellent data.] Read more...

Therapy sessions in museums?

"Research has found that people “see themselves” in museum objects, and that reflecting on our responses to objects can tell us something about ourselves." Read more...

Awe! Do you have enough awe in your life?

"Psychologists say [awe] can play an important role in bolstering happiness, health and our social interactions — and it may have actually long played a role in how and why humans get along and ultimately cooperate with one another." Read more...

Museums for healing!

"Research shows that museums can be restorative environments - places where people go to relax, recharge, and boost their mental and physical well-being." Read more...

A mental health audio tour at the National Gallery in London

"It is wonderful to work with young people on new and creative ways to encourage public conversations about mental health, so that everyone feels more comfortable asking for help and talking about how they feel.” Read more...

Visiting museums and galleries is a popular way to de-stress

'Those who do visit museums and galleries regularly, the study noted, 'report a greater sense of satisfaction with their lives than those who have never visited—as well as a greater sense of their lives and what they do being worthwhile.'” Read more...

Resources for Cultural Organizations