Blog

Arts and health projects are vital in helping people cope and recover from the pandemic and its consequences - but the DCMS rescue package - welcome though it is - may not reach the small organisations and artists who do this work.

ARC is a leading arts and mental health organisation which has for a number of years hosted student social workers as part of its creative programmes. Its Artistic Director, Jacqui Wood, explains.

A page of creative initiatives and useful resources, originally developed to support particularly older people in isolation and in care homes during the COVID-19 crisis. Please do let us know about anything you're doing.

How do you find satisfaction making music together whilst apart? Soundcastle, who are working in creative music-making with people experiencing mental health problems, describe how they are adapting.

Laura Drysdale of the Restoration Trust explains how the history and landscapes of Burgh Castle in Great Yarmouth are helping people's mental health.

David Cutler reflects on the ingenuity of the particpatory arts sector as it adapts to going online and looks forward to our first funding round for Arts & Mental Health in July.

Artists and participants at the British Ceramics Biennial Health programme reflect on delivering and taking part in a programme centred usually around clay in a studio.

The Comedy Asylum is a unique platform for people involved with Leicester mental health services to develop and showcase their comedic abilities including at the Leicester Comedy Festival.

Five organisations told us how they are continuing to deliver creative sessions to participants, how they are trying to bridge the digital divide at short notice, and what they are learning from the COVID-19 experience.

The magnificent response from the arts to support older people in isolation is not an accident - but down to the growth of a powerful creative ageing movement. Support must continue even in incredibly tough times for the arts.