Article by University College London. Published by University College London. January 9, 2026.
Read the full article: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/population-health-sciences/news/2026/jan/art-cure-science-how-arts-transform-our-health
Excerpt:
As UCL marks 200 years of bold ideas shaping society, Professor Daisy Fancourt launches Art Cure, a book illustrating how creativity can power healthier lives.
What if a single medication could increase your lifespan, improve mental health, ease chronic pain, lower cortisol levels and blood pressure, strengthen your immune system and improve your ability to understand and manage difficult emotions?
If the arts were a pill, we would be taking it every single day”, says Professor Daisy Fancourt.
At a moment when wellbeing is high on our collective agenda, Professor Fancourt’s timely new book, Art Cure, explores why creativity matters for health.
As UCL enters its bicentennial year, we’re celebrating research that drives real-world impact and contributes to building healthier communities locally and globally. ‘Art Cure’ supports communities everywhere to do just that, with practical and accessible takeaways for anyone with an interest in the arts – or with an interest in engaging more with the arts.