Art Cure: Daisy Fancourt's New Book Argues for Art as a Health Pillar
Daisy Fancourt, who leads the World Health Organisation's Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health and teaches at University College London, has just released a book titled 'Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health.' She argues that art should be acknowledged as a vital component of health, alongside diet, sleep, exercise, and nature. Fancourt uses scientific findings and personal stories to show how engaging in the arts can enhance mental and physical health and might even lengthen life. Her broad definition of art includes activities like pottery, dancing, and singing. Published by Cornerstone Press on 8 January, this 352-page book retails for £22 (hb) and includes notable stories, such as that of Debs, who found solace in art lessons.
Key facts
- Daisy Fancourt leads the WHO Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health and the Department of Behavioural Science and Health at University College London.
- Art Cure argues that art is the forgotten fifth pillar of health, alongside diet, sleep, exercise, and nature.
- Fancourt's concept of art includes pottery, baking, dancing, and singing.
- The book cites Damien Hirst's formaldehyde-preserved lamb as an example of art's subjective nature.
- Debs, who recovered from mental illness through art lessons, shared her testimony at the 2019 WHO conference.
- Russell Haines was prescribed eight weeks of fine art classes and is now a full-time artist advocating for arts-on-prescription.
- Fancourt critiques brain-training apps, suggesting art is a stronger alternative for neuroplasticity.
- The book addresses budget cuts, inequality, and lack of access to art.
- Art Cure is published by Cornerstone Press, 352pp, £22 (hb), released on 8 January.
Entities
Artists
- Daisy Fancourt
- Damien Hirst
- Russell Haines
- Debs
- Constanza Ontiveros Valdés
Institutions
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
- University College London
- Cornerstone Press