The Arts and Creative Industries in Health Promotion: an Evidence Check Rapid Review brokered by the Sax Institute for The Victorian Health Promotion Foundation

Abstract

This rapid review was commissioned by the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth). The purpose of the review was to inform future strategic planning and investment for VicHealth’s Arts Strategy (2019–2023). VicHealth’s Arts Strategy has a four-year goal to promote the health and wellbeing benefits of the arts to all Victorians by (1) increasing participation and diversity in the arts, (2) embedding the arts and creative industries across VicHealth’s five imperative areas, and (3) harnessing arts and cultural settings as a powerful environment to influence health awareness, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. This rapid review addressed the following three questions: Question 1: What approaches have been effective in improving arts participation, particularly for priority groups? Question 2: What programs or activities which have used the arts as a vehicle or setting have been effective in increasing awareness, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in VicHealth's five imperative areas? Question 3: Of the approaches, programs or activities identified in question 1 and 2, which may be implemented by local councils in Victoria, including those which may be delivered in partnership?