Discover how art can improve our health make us happier and even help us live longer with the
inspiring new book from the award-winning scientist and world-leading expert. 'Every day we
are overwhelmed by advice on how to live better. Art Cure is an amazing antidote to the deluge
of nonsense . . . Everyone should read this .' XAND VAN TULLEKEN doctor and presenter
'Elegantly distils the evidence for what we have always intuitively felt that music
literature cinema and art are powerful universal remedies . . . A book for our times. '
GILLIAN ANDERSON bestselling author actress and activist DIET. SLEEP. EXERCISE. NATURE.
ARTS? Many of us consider making and consuming art to be a hobby or even a luxury. But what
if arts engagement - from classical music to salsa poetry to pop concerts galleries to
graffiti - was in fact one of our most powerful tools for unlocking health and happiness? What
if art could help you live longer - and even save your life? In Art Cure world-leading
expert and award-winning scientist Professor Daisy Fancourt reveals the life-changing power of
the arts including how: Songs support the architectural development of children's brains.
Creative hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia. Visual art and music act
just like drugs to reduce depression stress and pain. Dance build new neural pathways for
people with brain injuries. Going to live music events museums exhibitions and the theatre
decreases our risk of future loneliness and frailty. Engaging in the arts improves the
functioning of every major organ system in the body. And perhaps most importantly how art
helps us not only to survive but to thrive and flourish. Fancourt draws on ground-breaking
research in neuroscience psychology immunology physiology behavioural science and
epidemiology as well as inspiring true stories of people who have experienced radical changes
in their health to empower readers to improve their own health through the arts. Informed by
the results of decades of scientific studies Art Cure is the must-read inspiring guide to
improving your health giving you the tools to write your own 'arts prescription'. 'A
revelation . . . Could not be more timely nor make a stronger more urgent case for placing
the arts at the centre of our communities.' MELYN BRAGG broadcaster and parliamentarian
'Fascinating comprehensive compelling inspiring.' DR CHRISTOPHER BAILEY World Health
Organization
