Research

A landmark study by the Irish Arts Council has demonstrated that children who participate in artistic and cultural activities cope better with schoolwork and have more positive attitudes towards school later on than those who are less engaged.

The study has identified that children aged 9 who frequently read and attend classes in music, dance or drama have an improved ‘academic self-image’ – or the confidence to cope with schoolwork – by age 13. They are also happier, have reduced anxiety, better academic skills and fewer socio-emotional difficulties.

An online project exploring creative representations of living with long-term physical pain is seeking contributions and feedback.

The galleries show different people’s experience of their condition and viewers are invited to view these and share your thoughts or ask questions in response, no specialist knowledge or experience is required!

www.exhibitingpain.wordpress.com

www.facebook.com/groups/exhibitingpain/

New research by Age UK has revealed that 550,000 men over the age of 65 in England are lonely. The charity has called for more tailored offers to be created for older men to participate socially.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that Londoners have lower personal wellbeing and feel less positively about their communities than people from the rest of the UK. Only 56% of people in London felt people in their neighbourhood could be trusted, compared with 73% of people in Northern Ireland.

New longitudinal research from the Government’s Taking Part survey of cultural participation shows that people from the most deprived areas are less likely to engage with the arts and heritage. Disabled people and people with health conditions were also much less likely to participate in cultural activity.

The research shows a mixed picture of cultural engagement with most people engaging in some cultural activity but the most consistent participants being from more wealthy communities.

New research published by BMJ Open suggests that membership of social groups such as book clubs, sports clubs or choirs after retirement is linked with improved health and wellbeing.

A new study, from UCLA Medical Centre and University of Pittsburgh and published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, suggests that a range of physical activities including gardening and dancing, can increase brain volume.

The research was published today (Friday 11 March).

A group exploring dementia and the arts has been invited to take up a two year residency in The Hub at Wellcome Collection. Bringing together a network including scientists, artists, clinicians, public health experts and broadcasters, the group will examine and challenge perceptions of dementia through scientific and creative experimentation. They have been awarded £1m to develop the project over two years.

The second international conference is coming to Bristol UK on June 19, 20 and 21 2017.

The conference will showcase inspirational practice, policy and the latest research in culture and arts in health and wellbeing. It will discuss the role of arts and creativity in healing, care and wellbeing across the life course. It will encourage discussion and shared learning, facilitating dialogue between researchers, policy makers and practitioners. Conference themes will encompass multiple art forms and will include:

A serendipitous discovery using light therapy has led to a new partnership between Leicester University and the Design Council. Research suggests the 'tint therapy' developed through the collaboration has alleviated symptoms in up to 40% of tested subjects.

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