There are many good reasons for funding in this area.
Everyone has a right to be creative and to take part in what the arts and culture have to offer.
The arts have long played a role in giving a voice to people with mental health problems, including to challenge aspects of the mental health system. Society is experiencing a shift towards greater understanding and awareness of mental health problems and the arts have a role in this too.
The arts are also a route to recovery, building self-confidence and new skills and they can also simply be pleasurable, relaxing and fun!