Art Cure

Many of us consider making and consuming art to be a hobby, or even a luxury. But what if arts engagement – from classical music to salsa, poetry to pop concerts, galleries to graffiti – was in fact one of our most powerful tools for unlocking health and happiness? What if art could help you live longer – and even save your life? In Art Cure, Professor Daisy Fancourt reveals the life-changing power of the arts. Engaging in the arts improves the functioning of every major organ system in the body: songs support the architectural development of children’s brains; creative hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia; visual art and music act just like drugs to reduce depression, stress, and pain; dancing and drumming affect neurotransmitters, hormones, cells, proteins, even the expression of our genes; going to live music events, museums, exhibitions, and the theatre decreases our risk of future loneliness and frailty. Informed by the