Curating Your Health: How an Investment in Art is an Investment in Your Well-Being

Art, often celebrated for its aesthetic and cultural value, has profound impacts on health and well-being. From reducing stress and enhancing mental health to improving physical well-being, engaging with art—whether by creating, observing, or experiencing it—offers a holistic approach to personal health. Recent studies and initiatives highlight how art serves as a bridge to an improved quality of life, making it a valuable investment for both individuals and communities. Art investments are one way to get your daily dose of vitamin A(rt).

The Role of Art in Mental Health

Art therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing mental health challenges. A study done by the Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences demonstrates its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress:

• Depression and Anxiety Relief: A randomized control trial by Ciasca et al. found that art therapy significantly improved symptoms in patients with stable, pharmacologically treated major depressive disorder. The creative process fosters emotional expression and regulation, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of accomplishment.
  
  
• Cognitive Rehabilitation: For patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease, art therapy has been instrumental in cognitive rehabilitation. By engaging in creative activities, these individuals experience improved quality of life and a greater sense of connection to their environment.
  
  
• Self-Esteem and Accomplishment: Research by Richards et al. indicates that art therapy exercises enhance self-esteem and provide participants with a stronger sense of achievement, helping them build resilience against mental health challenges.
  
  

Art for Physical Health and Longevity

Engaging with art isn’t just beneficial for mental health; it also has tangible effects on physical well-being. Studies reveal that: 

• Older adults who frequently engage in cultural activities have a 20% lower risk of depression, better memory retention, and greater life satisfaction. These individuals are also more likely to use preventive healthcare services, contributing to longer, healthier lives.
• Adolescents who regularly engage in arts activities have lower odds of behavioral problems, criminalized behaviors, and substance use and higher odds of maintaining strong social support networks.
• For those experiencing chronic pain, engaging in monthly arts activities has been associated with improved physical well-being, making daily tasks and technical activities easier to perform.

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says making or even just seeing art can impact the brain. Art can help increase serotonin levels and increase blood flow to the part of the brain associated with pleasure.

Art as a Prescription for Health

Recognizing the profound effects of art on health, healthcare systems worldwide are incorporating “art on prescription” models.

In the UK, the Department of Health and Social Care’s Arts on Prescription program enables healthcare providers to refer patients to local arts and social engagement activities. This model has shown promising results in reducing reliance on traditional healthcare services.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council piloted the country’s first social prescribing initiative, offering grants to cultural organizations to partner with healthcare providers and offer art-based services. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, has implemented an Arts & Wellbeing Initiative, enhancing members’ access to arts as a component of comprehensive healthcare.

Accessible Investments for Everyday Well-Being

You do not have to be an art collector or millionaire to invest in art. Investing in art can mean a variety of things, whether that be buying an artwork that sparks joy, creating art yourself, or being an active patron at your local museum. ArtShare provides another accessible option for art investment. Owning a share of art that is meaningful to you or supports your favorite museum can have equally positive benefits. Co-owning a work of fine art directly connects you to beautiful art and a community of other art lovers. Investing in art in a museum allows you to visit a piece of fine art that you co-own and helped put on the walls. 

Art is more than just a cultural or aesthetic pursuit; it is a cornerstone of holistic health. By integrating art into daily life, individuals can experience enhanced mental clarity, emotional resilience, and physical vitality. Whether through therapy, museum visits, or personal creativity, investing in art is an investment in your health and well-being. As the saying goes, an art share a day keeps the doctor away!