What is the Current State of Evidence in Arts and Health, and the Value of Lived Experience, Narrative Testimony, and Case Studies

Online lecture & discussion
Part of the lecture series Music and Medicine

Lecture 1: The Need for Critical Appraisal of Arts and Health ResearchStephen Clift, Canterbury Christ Church University, GB
A consensus in research has emerged that both receptive and active involvement in arts, music and cultural activities is good for our general wellbeing and our mental and physical health. Nevertheless, I will argue that it is essential that we approach such claims with an appropriate degree of scepticism. I will present findings from recent exercises in the critical appraisal of primary studies, cited in recent major evidence reviews.

Lecture 2: Case Studies as Evidence in Arts and Health Research?: Eva Schurig, University of Oldenburg, GER
In 2023, the National Centre for Creative Health (UK) published the Creative Health Review aiming to show best practices of arts initiatives across the UK to support implementation of creative health by policymakers. The authors emphasize the focus on evidence and rely heavily on case studies to illustrate these best practices. Dr. Schurig will examine these case studies and the evidence provided for them from an academic perspective, as well as the usefulness of this evidence for policymakers.

Commentators:
Nicole Holt, University of the West of England – UWE, Bristol, UK
N.N.

This webinar is the second from the Webinar-Series organized by International Network for the Critical Appraisal in Arts and Health Research (INCAAHR) in cooperation with Salzburg Institute for Arts in Medicine (SIAM) and focus area InterMediation. Music – Effect – Analysis, Inter-University Organization Arts & Knowledges (University of Salzburg / Mozarteum University Salzburg).