Article by Canada Council for the Arts. Published on February 6, 2026.
Read the full article: https://canadacouncil.ca/spotlight/2026/02/rise-of-social-prescribing
Excerpt:
Healthcare often starts with the question, “What’s the matter with you?” Bringing the arts into care introduces another: “What matters to you?” The shift reflects a more holistic view of health—one the World Health Organization defines as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” Across Canada, arts organizations and care providers are increasingly putting this philosophy into practice, exploring how creativity and community can expand the reach and impact of the health system.
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Social prescribing puts art at the heart of healthcare
First developed in the United Kingdom in the 1990s, social prescribing has grown into a global movement. In Canada, the approach is gaining momentum, enabling physicians to recommend cultural activities as part of patient care.
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At their core, these programs remind us that health is not just a medical process—it’s also emotional, cultural and deeply human. As healthcare and art institutions continue to collaborate, the prescription pad is beginning to tell a new story—one that holds the promise of a fuller, more vibrant life.
The benefits of arts-based social prescribing aren’t just anecdotal—data shows they have measurable impacts, especially among youth and older adults. According to a recent report by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing, programs like these can reduce primary care visits by up to 42 percent and emergency department use by 24 percent, while generating an estimated return of $4.43 for every dollar invested. They are also associated with up to $296 million in potential annual savings through fall prevention alone. Together, these initiatives show that access to arts and culture can profoundly enhance health at multiple levels: individual, social and economic.