Art Cure - The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health

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 ground-breaking results of decades of scientific studies, and with practical advice that gives you the tools to write your own ''arts prescription'', Art Cure will fundamentally change the way you value and engage with arts in your daily life. The arts not only helps us to survive, they allow us to thrive and flourish.

About the author

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.

Product details

• Authors: Daisy Fancourt
• Publisher: Cornerstone
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 15.01.2026
• EAN: 9781529935530
• ISBN: 978-1-5299-3553-0
• No. of pages: 352
• Dimensions: 163 mm x 242 mm x 34 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Health > Illnesses, therapies; Humanities, art, music > Art > Miscellaneous; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Medicine > General; Non-fiction book > Psychology, esoterics, spirituality, anthroposophy > Applied psychology; SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / General, PSYCHOLOGY / Mental Health, PERFORMING ARTS / Theater / General, ART / Popular Culture, MUSIC / Philosophy & Social Aspects, ART / Performance, PERFORMING ARTS / Dance / General, Self-help & personal development, Popular medicine & health, The arts, Health psychology, Psychotherapy: general, Performance Art, Self-help, personal development and practical advice, Popular medicine and health, Coping with / advice about mental health issues, Coping with / advice about ageing, HEALTH & FITNESS / Aging & Longevity