How the arts funding crisis is impacting on mental health

The arts are in financial crisis, not only have there been damning reductions in funding over the last 14 years in schools and to cultural and arts venues, but councils (for example Birmingham) have declared complete cuts in spending, and just a week ago, Creative Scotland announced the closing of an arts fund due to uncertainty surrounding government funding.

Not only does this seem shortsighted given ‘The arts and culture industry…now contributes £10.8 billion a year to the UK economy…[and] the sector contributes…363,700 jobs.’ (ONS, 2019), but there are countless unspoken benefits derived from the arts that go beyond success within the profession.

The arts are a huge contributing factor to recovery from mental ill health, and in preventing an even deeper mental health crisis.

Lifelines

Clinicians already social prescribe community pursuits such as art, theatre, singing, dancing or writing (for example) which may have other benefits as a complement to traditional treatments. As such, charities and community groups are already picking up where formal setting are failing in the field of mental health, further cuts to arts funding will remove those who run these lifelines.

Watching

Simply watching an artistic piece has intellectual and emotional benefits – you practice concentration (something greatly undervalued in a swipe left/answer push notifications world), you broaden vocabulary, and it can be a wonderful form of escapism.  You can lose yourself in someone else’s world where their experiences may resonate and help you feel less alone…and if it’s a popular book, you can always use storylines to help you talk about some topics which you might otherwise avoid…instead of “Asking for a friend”, you can say “So what are your thoughts on Christian Grey’s dating behaviours?”

Getting involved

And getting involved in the arts brings even more.

Dancing releases neurotransmitters such as endorphins, endocannabinoids, and dopamine which not only makes us feel better, but helps clear headspace for day to day ups and downs. Further, if you attend a class, you improve co-ordination and memory, and it’s a great opportunity to meet like minded people in a safe space and form friendships which can endure beyond the session, combatting loneliness and isolation.

Singing

Singing raises the production of oxytocin (a happy hormone) and in turn lowers the presence and production of cortisol (the stress hormone).  It teaches rhythm, listening, as well as timing, and is also a fun activity to do with others. You may even discover some growing talents. While there are many benefits of singing with others – including building your confidence – there are also many virtual choirs out there where you will be able to sing from your own home, for those who struggle leaving the house. Alternatively, writing songs is a great way to release emotions, and as music charity Notivate, for example, who encourage young people to perform songs which express their feelings recognise “Even though young people are asked to talk, when they do they still aren’t always heard…when you put it in a song, people listen.”

Writing

Creative writing is a great way to release stress, but because people fear writing – often due to negative experiences in school – facilitators such as performance poet Kezzabelle Ambler will support workshops with writing prompts and encourages people to ‘simply scribble’.  In her work she gives the example of a girl on a mental health ward who “wrote one night instead of cutting, and got the same release” (Kezzabelle Ambler speaking on Skits and Quibbles on e360tv, 2024)

Social inclusion

Arts programs which include both creative AND performing arts have the power to promote social inclusion through providing a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another (Global Policy, 2023) and this brings the numerous benefits of social inclusion and wellbeing, particularly for marginalised groups (Bevilacqua et al, 2022). 

The Ministry of Justice agrees that not only can the arts raise awareness of social issues, but participation can give young and vulnerable people a voice, break down barriers and foster a sense of community which deters them from crime.

Problem solving

From Primary upwards, Clapton Common Boys Club Craft’ery project recognises that the opportunity to work collaboratively on something creative can promote self-expression, teamwork, and problem solving saying “Creative arts speaks to the soul…by connecting to peers who share their challenges, they were validated and valued in a new way” (Craft’ery Grant Report, 2024)

Throughout school, because of the very nature of drama, students who struggle to sit still have an opportunity to engage and receive praise. Because theatre can consist of performance or tech, or costume, or backstage, or set building and creation amongst a number of other highly active things, there is ALWAYS place to include anyone who comes through the creative door, and importantly an opportunity for them to become a respected member of the team. 

Being there

Role play, puppeteering, and even expressing feelings through instruments are commonly used clinical interventions to support those for whom words don’t come easily, and the community nature of many arts projects means that even if you are awaiting formal mental health support, reaching out means someone will be there.

…but with no change to funding cuts one asks – for how much longer?

Dr Audrey Tang is a psychologist, author and founder of the CLICK Arts Foundation