Rest of the world

The Arts and Individual Well-Being in Canada is an analysis of the links between Canadians’ cultural activities and their personal wellbeing. The report shows a strong connection between 18 cultural activities and eight indicators of health and wellbeing. Analysis of population data revealed that art gallery visits and music and theatre attendance are associated with better health, higher rates of volunteering and strong satisfaction with life.

The University of Florida is staging the first annual Arts in Healthcare for Global Communities Intensive at Makerere University, Kampala this June. The aim is to provide professionals and students in the health sciences, arts, and public health with a comprehensive introductory experience of how the arts can enhance healthcare and public health in global communities. Arts in Medicine leaders from Makerere University and the University of Florida will present lectures and workshops, and participants will engage in hands-on mentored service-learning work in local hospitals and communities.

The Second International Congress on Education and Accessibility will examine the ways in which museums can address issues of social inclusion – particularly around health and therapeutic interventions. The congress will take place in Zaragoza, Spain and the call for papers is out now.

w: http://conintedac14.mastermuseos.es/en/participacion/

The 10^th International Design and Health Awards are inviting entries. Including an award for the Best Use of Art in the Patient Environment, the awards recognise excellence in research and practice from around the world. Awards will be unveiled at the World Congress in July in Toronto.

w: www.designandhealth.com

The World Association of Cultural Psychiatry is inviting submissions of a 4000 word essay about an arts-based project that contributes to a greater understanding of mental health/illness. The winning essay will receive a £300 prize and will be considered for inclusion in a special publication produced by the Association. The selected project or series of initiatives can be in any given cultural context. (e.g. an arts-based prevention, advocacy, research, and/or healing project).

The latest research on the impact of culture on major global cities has been produced. The World Cities Culture Forum, which includes 22 cities including London, highlights the widespread acknowledgement that culture is central to a city's health and economy. It also notes the particular impact of culture on regenerating communities and connecting all residents in a city. The report pays tribute to the impact culture has had on community development and wellbeing in cities such as Bogota and Johannesburg.

The American Global Alliance for Arts and Health is inviting the submission of abstracts to present at its 2014 Annual International Conference. Abstracts should relate to the conference's theme of "Enhancing Lives Through Arts & Health" and fall into one of the following five focus areas:

• Caring for Caregivers 
• Community Well-being 
• Education 
• Healing Environments 
• Patient Care

The deadline to submit an abstract is January 17^th. Notifications will be made by email in February 2014.