Published: 20 January 2026
Public Health Wales has received a £20,000 grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council's Creative Communities program to run a new project called Cynefin: Creative Health Review for Wales.
The project will explore how policy makers can ensure that everyone in Wales enjoys the clear health and well-being benefits of creativity, now and for future generations.
Emily van de Venter, Health Improvement Consultant at Public Health Wales, said the project reflects a growing national and international 'creative health' movement and evidence base. It is about fostering a sense of belonging ('habitat'), ensuring equal opportunities for communities that face the greatest barriers to the arts, as well as providing inspiration for artists and cultural organisations.
He said:
"Wales has a rich and vibrant cultural history where the arts and creativity are central to our way of life. However, although research shows that they would benefit most from the arts and culture, we know that people facing health challenges and inequality are less likely to engage in these areas. We know that providing cultural opportunities to people who are at greater risk of health conditions can prevent diseases from developing and supporting them and that the arts can support people through the toughest health challenges."
This research focuses on how the arts and culture, as a core public service, can be at the heart of public health and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.
Emily Van de Venter will work with the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, the Arts Wales Health and Wellbeing Network, the Arts Council of Wales and colleagues in the Welsh Parliament to develop creative new health policy recommendations for Wales.
Pippa Britton OBE PLY, Chair of Public Health Wales, said:
"We are delighted that this project is being funded. The outputs will support Public Health Wales to achieve our long-term strategy ambitions to improve mental and social well-being. The arts and creativity improve our quality of life, strengthen our social fabric and enable us to celebrate our Welsh culture. I look forward to seeing the recommendations of Cynefin: Creative Health Review for Wales and supporting actions to enable the arts and creativity to help people in Wales thrive."
Read more about the project here: