There are several ways to view the arts.  Most often, they are thought of as having intrinsic value.  Sometimes people choose to consider their financial value.

However an oft-overlooked aspect of the arts is their ability to aid healthy lifestyles and general wellbeing.

In an increasingly fast-moving and stressful world, the pressures of work and family life can adversely affect ones health.  A recent survey revealed that over half of Brits regularly feel stressed at work, whilst a worrying 23% feel stressed every day of the week.

Some argue that this is an unavoidable reality – that in an increasingly dynamic world, just keeping up to pace will inevitably be stressful.

There is much truth in that argument.  However the arts have a unique ability to provide an escape from the pressures of the modern world.  They have a therapeutic quality – just listening to music or enjoying the visual arts can provide a release.

The health values of the arts do however go farther and deeper.

Take social exclusion as an example.  Several studies have shown that engagement in the arts have multi-faceted benefits.  Raised levels of self-esteem result from participation in arts projects, with a sense of pride achieved through artistic achievements.

Feelings of self-determination and control also result.  And this is over and above the basic levels of enjoyment and pleasure gained from the activity itself.

These benefits provide a stepping stone towards social inclusion, promoting activities such as taking up employment, engaging in other social activities, or participating in education.  Such activities make for a healthier and more inclusive society.

Studies have also pointed to a clear link between participation in the arts and levels of depression.

Depression is on the rise in the UK, and is a complex problem.  There is no one solution.  However there is evidence that participation in arts activities can actually lead to several positive outcomes.

One study looked at the relationship between engagement in the arts and re-admission to psychiatric hospital.  Fewer of those suffering from mental health problems were re-admitted following engagement in arts activities.  Another study pointed to lower levels of depression amongst those participating in arts activities.

A third suggested that following engagement in the arts, there were fewer GP consultations required by those suffering from mental illness.

Clearly, the arts play a vital role in not just improving healthy people’s lives, but also in aiding recovery amongst people who have suffered from depression, or other mental illnesses.

This is why it is vital to engage people the widest possible selection of different arts activities.  It is also vital that this happens all around the country.

It can be tempting for some to believe that the arts only exist within a couple of square miles in the centre of London.  Quite the opposite is true.

In one form or another, the arts surround us wherever in the country we live.  And improving participation in the arts must therefore be a priority for the entire country.

Far from being just an enjoyable day out or a quick release from stress, engagement in the arts promotes a healthier lifestyle.  It can improve the wellbeing of healthy people.  And it can aid the recovery of unhealthy people.

For those reasons, the arts must play a central role in our society.  Their benefits stretch far beyond what one would believe at first glance.