ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a brief overview of research findings and evidence in arts, health and well-being. Researching the impact of general cultural participation on health and well-being involves similar methodological difficulties to those found in evaluation of interventions, with the additional challenge that visiting museums, attending concerts and other recreational activities are deeply woven into everyday life. Most of the research in the burgeoning arts and health field examines the effects of participation or engagement on individuals. While the research base for arts, health and well-being is constantly expanding, those outside academic institutions, such as community artists, project leaders, evaluators and commissioners, often face difficulties in obtaining up-to-date research and evidence. The burgeoning research and evidence surrounding arts, health and well-being continues to grow both in terms of quantity and quality. A key challenge is understanding the potential impact of arts and culture on health and well-being inequalities.
