Visual Art and Mental Health

This is the first overall review of the evidence on the impact of visual arts on the wellbeing of adults with mental health conditions. Prior to this, there have been some insightful exploratory studies showing the positive impacts.

This briefing is based on a systematic review that looks at interventions that encouraged participation in, and enjoyment of, art among this group.

The review identifies the effects of visual art on subjective wellbeing. This describes both the good and bad feelings that arise from people’s outlook: how they think about themselves and others, and what they do in the interactions and practices of everyday life. The visual arts activities we looked at include painting or drawing, art appreciation, making art and exhibiting, ceramics, sculpture, and crafts activities.

We found that there is limited good quality evidence for visual arts impacts, though case studies from the UK have provided important and consistent findings.

The review includes data from 163 participants across four countries: Australia, Sweden, the UK, and the US. Overall, more women were included in the studies than men.

Evidence shows that visual arts activities, of various kinds, can reduce depression and anxiety and increase confidence and self-esteem.

How? Engagement with visual arts can support phased progress towards recovery, re-engagement with ‘everyday life’ and other people in a local culture and community. The creative process can help participants immerse themselves and escape from everyday anxieties and in some cases, thrive with the new identity of ‘artist’ or member.
It matters how activities are run. The most effective interventions provided: safe spaces where people did not feel stigmatised facilitation by empathetic teams of practitioners/researchers

So what?

Arts activities are important. We need to know more about which arts are effective in enhancing subjective wellbeing, for whom and in what contexts so that appropriate policy and practice decisions can be made.

How does participating in visual arts impact the subjective wellbeing of adults (18-65 year olds) who have been diagnosed with a mental health condition? We are carrying out a review of all available evidence to find out.

If you work in an organisation that runs, funds, or works in any way with visual arts for adults experiencing mental health issues, we need your evaluation reports* – whether printed, digital or visual evidence – to help us tell the whole story.

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