Art Cure

DIET. SLEEP. EXERCISE. NATURE. ARTS?'Elegantly distils the evidence for what we have always intuitively felt; that music, literature, cinema, and art are powerful universal remedies . . . A book for our times' GILLIAN ANDERSON'A revelation . . . Could not be more timely, nor make a stronger, more urgent case for placing the arts at the centre of our communities.' MELVYN BRAGG'Every day we are overwhelmed by advice on how to live better. Art Cure is an amazing antidote to the deluge of nonsense . . . Everyone should read this' XAND VAN TULLEKENMany 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: 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. Dance build new neural pathways for people with brain injuries. Going to live music events, museums, exhibitions, and the theatre decreases our risk of future loneliness and frailty. Engaging in the arts improves the functioning of every major organ system in the body. Art helps us not only to survive, but to thrive and flourish.Informed by the results of decades of scientific studies, Art Cure explains why the arts – alongside diet, sleep, exercise and nature – are the forgotten fifth pillar of health, and gives you the tools to write your own 'arts prescription'.'Fascinating, comprehensive, compelling, inspiring.' DR CHRISTOPHER BAILEY, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

Daisy Fancourt is Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London where she heads the Social Biobehavioural Research Group, and Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health. She has published 300 scientific papers, won over two dozen academic prizes and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world. Daisy is also a multi-award-winning science communicator and has been named a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and BBC New Generation Thinker.