Picasso in his Cannes studio. Image via Art Stack
The healing power of art has long been recognised by artists worldwide but is now emerging as an evidence-based therapeutic way to help cure loneliness in the UK.
Britain’s Prime Minister, Theresa May recently announced a £1.8m funding for a scheme inspired by murdered MP Jo Cox, who set up a cross-party commission on the issue of loneliness. The funding will go towards supporting community projects including art spaces, and prescribing patient’s art lessons instead of drug-based treatments on the NHS in a bid to tackle “one of the greatest public health challenges as our time”, Theresa May has announced. Minister for loneliness Tracey Crouch commented: ‘Nobody should feel alone or be left with no one to turn to. Loneliness is a serious issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds and it is right that we tackle it head on.’
The UK government has noted that loneliness effects up to a fifth of UK adults, and an estimate of 200,000 elderly people have not talked to a friend or relative in over a month.
Earlier this year, a survey of doctors announced that ‘public engagement with the arts can make a significant contribution to the prevention agenda.’ 66% of doctors surveyed by the arts and health charity Aesop, agreed that arts engagement could help.
