Arts projects could be delivering more than half a billion pounds in health and productivity benefits each year.
A report commissioned by the Arts Council Wales highlights the major contribution arts engagement can make to health and wellbeing, with schemes in Denbighshire among those making an impact.
One organisation involved is DLL’s Community Arts team, which is delivering programmes across the county aimed at supporting health and wellbeing through creativity.
Jamie Groves, managing director at DLL, said: "The arts continue to deliver tangible health benefits for people, and we are pleased to see there is a growing body of robust evidence to prove it.
"Through our Community Arts team we are making an important contribution to the wellbeing of residents within Denbighshire, and we are very proud that DLL continues to deliver this vital work within North Wales."
The team is working with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on several mental health-focused projects, including creative interventions for adults through the Umbrella Against the Rain programme.
In collaboration with Central Child and Adolescent Mental Health Early Help services, a new project will soon launch in Denbighshire schools.
The project will begin at Rhyl High School and Ysgol Christchurch before moving to Prestatyn High and Ysgol Bryn Hedydd, aiming to improve pupils’ health and wellbeing.
The DLL team has also been delivering a programme of trauma-informed workshops with resettled families and sanctuary seekers in Denbighshire, with Arts Council Wales Arts in Health funding.
The report Assessing the Economic Impact of the Arts on Health and Healthcare Services in Wales is the first to evaluate arts’ influence on health, wellbeing, and demand for NHS and social care services across the nation.
It found that every £1 invested by the Arts Council Wales generates £11.08 in health, wellbeing, and productivity returns, totalling an estimated £588 million each year.
Mr Groves said: "We are very proud that DLL continues to deliver this vital work within North Wales."
In addition to its health and mental health projects, DLL’s Community Arts team is running intergenerational programmes and creative activities for people of all ages.
Current projects include a weekly community signing group in Llanrhaeadr, delivered in partnership with Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias Music Centre, and a schools’ project involving Ruthin and Denbigh Community Hospitals.
Further south, the Afon Atgofion (A River of Memories) project is underway, delivered in partnership with South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Canolfan Ni, Pengwern, as well as local schools and care homes.
Share