Creativity Reshapes Public Health

Four women of varying ages are taking part in a Dance On session in a brightly lit room with brick walls. Three older women are seated and the dance artist is standing stretching forward. Overlaid text on the left reads

darts features in a new report, published in September 2025, by the Creative Industries Council Health & Wellbeing Forum and Arts Council England.

The report demonstrates how creative activity – from music and theatre to reading, dance, design and immersive technologies – can treat and prevent illness, reducing pressure on the NHS. It highlights that with the right training and support, wider provision of creative health could also create new job and business growth opportunities for creative practitioners.

The report draws on evidence, case studies, and expert insight to make five recommendations to move the creative health agenda forward:

Expanding opportunities for children and young people to take part in creative activities, in and out of school and hospital settings.
Raising awareness of the health benefits of creativity through a public campaign.
Building and sharing the evidence base to inform health leaders and policymakers.
Strengthening dialogue with the health sector to align with the NHS’s ten-year plan.
Supporting the creative workforce through skills, fair pay and wellbeing measures.

We’re proud to be featured as a case study, showcasing how darts is using creative approaches to support mental health, build community, and drive real impact. You can download the full report from the Creative Industries Council website:

www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk/download-hub/health-wellbeing-forum-report