Arts and Health Promotion: Tools and Bridges for Practice, Research, and Social Transformation

The book "Arts and Health Promotion" provides an overview of the opportunities to promote health through the arts from theoretical, methodological, pedagogical, and critical perspectives. It offers a one-stop depository for using the arts as tools for health promotion in many settings and as bridges across communities, cultures, and sectors. The diverse applications of the arts in health promotion transcend individual, community, and societal levels and have potential health, aesthetic, and social outcomes. The book is an innovative and engaging resource for practitioners, researchers, university instructors, and artists, particularly for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, professional development, and program planning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 367 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse and multifaceted possibilities for promoting health through the arts, encompassing theoretical, methodological, pedagogical, and critical perspectives. Serving as the first known text to bring together the fragmented inter-disciplinary literatures into a cohesive volume, it serves as a valuable resource for health promotion practitioners, researchers, and educators. By offering a one-stop repository for utilizing the arts as tools for health promotion in various settings and as bridges across communities, cultures, and sectors, the book empowers practitioners to harness the power of the arts to enhance well-being and foster social justice.

The applications of the arts in health promotion extend beyond the individual, community, and societal levels, encompassing a wide range of potential health, aesthetic, and social outcomes. The chapters within this book delve into various topics, including:

Exploring the Potential of the Arts to Promote Health and Social Justice: This chapter explores how the arts can be used as powerful tools to address health disparities, promote social justice, and empower marginalized communities. It highlights examples of artistic interventions that have had a positive impact on health outcomes and social change.

Drawing as a Salutogenic Therapy Aid for Grieving Adolescents in Botswana: This chapter explores the use of drawing as a therapeutic tool for grieving adolescents in Botswana. It highlights the benefits of art-making in helping adolescents process their emotions, cope with grief, and develop resilience.

Community Theater for Health Promotion in Japan: This chapter explores the role of community theater in promoting health and well-being in Japan. It discusses how theater-based interventions can address social issues, promote community engagement, and enhance mental and physical health outcomes.

From Arts to Action: Project SHINE as a Case Study of Engaging Youth in Efforts to Develop Sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Strategies in Rural Tanzania and India: This chapter presents Project SHINE, a community-based initiative that uses arts-based education to empower youth to develop sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene strategies in rural Tanzania and India. It highlights the impact of the project on the health and well-being of the participating youth and the broader community.

Movimiento Ventana: An Alternative Proposal to Mental Health in Nicaragua: This chapter explores the use of art as a means of promoting mental health and well-being in Nicaragua. It discusses the Movimiento Ventana initiative, which uses art therapy and community-based interventions to address mental health issues and promote social cohesion.

Using Art to Bridge Research and Policy: An Initiative of the United States National Academy of Medicine: This chapter discusses the use of art as a means of bridging the gap between research and policy-making in the field of health. It highlights the work of the United States National Academy of Medicine's Arts and Health Promotion initiative, which aims to use art to enhance health outcomes and promote social justice.

Arts and Health Promotion is an innovative and engaging resource for a broad audience, including practitioners, researchers, university instructors, and artists. It serves as an essential text for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, particularly in program planning, research methods (especially qualitative methodology), community health, and applied art classes. The book also holds value for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in exploring the potential of the arts to promote health and well-being.

In conclusion, this open-access book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the diverse applications of the arts in health promotion. By bringing together theoretical, methodological, pedagogical, and critical perspectives, it provides a valuable resource for practitioners, researchers, educators, and artists alike. Through its chapters, the book showcases the potential of the arts to promote health, social justice, and well-being, and serves as a catalyst for further research and innovation in this field.

Weight: 714g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030564162
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021