We take a strategic, inclusive and collaborative approach to our arts and health work in Wales for the benefit of all people, patients, communities, artists and health and care staff.
We are committed to ensuring our work is diverse and inclusive, and that the most marginalised and vulnerable people in our communities experience the benefits of engaging in the creative arts.
Our strategic approach to working with the NHS was recognised as a model of best practice by the Baring Foundation in Creatively Minded and the NHS. Wales’ approach to using the arts to improve public health, including our partnership with the Welsh NHS Confederation, was also recognised in a Lancet journal on The arts in public health policy: progress and opportunities.
Our approach to supporting arts and health development in Wales is built on:
- Partnerships
Partnering with the Welsh NHS Confederation in 2018 was a milestone moment for arts and health’s development in Wales. We always work with our arts and health partners, often through the Wales Arts, Health and Wellbeing Network (WAHWN). These are partnerships of genuine co-production, collaboration and co-ownership. We work on shared priorities, building capacity to deliver and embed arts and creativity within existing health and care systems. - Connecting with the existing health system
For arts and health to thrive and transform lives, we must work with and within the existing NHS and social care system. Winning the support of health and social care staff at all levels, using evidence of impact and responding to existing health needs and challenges, is crucial to driving positive change. (Capacity Building Programme, Cwtsh) - Building a cohesive national Arts and Health infrastructure
We are co-funding an Arts & Health coordinator position in every health board with a strong and vibrant sector support body in WAHWN. We create opportunities to work together on national programmes that support shared priorities, such as Arts & Minds and the Cultural Cwtsh. - Raising awareness
We are committed to shining a light on great practice and sharing successes with our audiences, to continue raising awareness of the health and wellbeing benefits of the art. - Developing a learning culture
We encourage innovation and creativity and the sharing of learning and best practice across the sector and beyond, including through case studies, the facilitation of peer learning and training, investment in evaluation and ongoing learning and research. - Facilitating national dialogue on arts and health
We feed into conversations about relevant national policy, including through our role as Secretariat of Wales’ Cross-party Group on Arts and Health