Art Cure: the healing power of the arts

We all know that eating fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular exercise, and getting a good night’s sleep are critical to our well-being — whether we do them is a different story. We are also bombarded with ads for supplements, fad diets, cleanses, and detoxes, all promising an easy route to wellness.

But what about going to a concert or museum, taking up painting or dancing, joining a book group, or going to the movies? Does that improve our health? This week, we explore our need for creative expression.

Award-winning scientist Daisy Fancourt tells us why engaging with the arts is good for our mind and body, backed by multiple studies using neuroimaging, wearable sensors, molecular biomarkers, and cognitive tests. She is the director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Center for Arts and Health and the author of the new book, Art Cure.