Artfull

Arts and mental health

The development of artfull, an arts and mental health initiative, began in February 2005 as a joint initiative between the Scottish Executive's Tourism, Culture and Sport department, the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-Being and the Scottish Arts Council.

The artfull initiative aims to demonstrate and support the role the arts and creativity can play in positive mental health promotion.

A commitment to developing the power of the arts is also reflected within new legislation.  For example, sections 25 and 26 of Scotland’s new Mental Health Care and Treatment Act require local authorities to support the promotion of well-being and social development for people with mental health difficulties through the provision of social, cultural and recreational activities.

Policy and legislative emphasis on the positive role of the arts for mental health and well-being reflects a practice that has already been developed by many organisations and artists across Scotland. These include schools, colleges, local authorities, employers, hospitals, health boards, local arts organisations and the voluntary sector, amongst others, where a range of initiatives are underway demonstrating how vibrant and powerful a force the arts can be in promoting positive mental health and well-being.

The Artfull Strategy focuses on identifying and highlighting the work arts organisations in Scotland do in promoting positive mental health. Furthermore, it aims to help those from other cross-cutting sectors gain a greater understanding of the processes that are involved in supporting community well-being and exploring ways in which such work can be sustained in the future.

For more information on the artfull initiative, please read the artfull Strategy or go to the artfull website.