ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the role of creative practitioners, or artists, in health care and beyond. It acknowledges the benefits of arts in health care but also the reciprocal gain, that is, in developing artistic practice. A number of historical examples are cited to illustrate the collaborative nature of creativity in health-care settings that potentially transcend such contexts, for example through cultural recognition. The importance of approaches such as co-creativity and transdisciplinarity are discussed; these ensure parity between health-care professionals, creative practitioners, and those who use services, and aim to explore and develop innovative health, social care, and artistic practices. The health humanities are well placed to advocate for the further development of arts in health care and the enhanced role for creative practitioners, to develop their artistic practice, and for wider societal benefit.
