Art Fund director defends instrumentalising art for wellbeing

Jenny Waldman, the director of Art Fund, addresses Julian Baggini's extensive article which contends that viewing art merely as a tool undermines its inherent worth. While Waldman concurs that art should be appreciated for its own merit, she points out that numerous individuals in the UK are unable to access museums and galleries due to financial, geographical, or cultural barriers. The National Art Pass campaign for spring 2025 features Henri Matisse's The Snail (1952-53) and Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck's Growing Memories (2021) as enticing invitations. Citing research conducted with King's College London, Waldman highlights that the first evidence of immediate physiological reactions to original art supports the idea that museum visits enhance wellbeing. She believes that if realizing that viewing a Matisse can alleviate stress encourages more people to visit, it represents a significant initial step. Art Fund aims to make art accessible to everyone, not just the elite, hoping that all who engage with these pieces recognize their worth.