A report on creativity, culture and the arts in building greater capacity for health and wellbeing across the North West of England. Its objectives were to evaluate and encourage the development of arts-based practices in a range of different settings and to understand the benefits (including advocacy, networking and training opportunities). The report notes: how arts and health projects can be successful; the value of the environment they are in; the role of engagement; benefits for older people and those with depression, and effects on general wellbeing. Attention is also given to understanding transformation, development and sustainability.

Its recommendations are: to support a range of arts projects that are responsive to user needs and reflect a more user-led approach; to invest in initiatives to support and develop the ‘evidence-based arts and health practitioner’, and to invest in support and training for arts and health practitioners so as to set clear, informed and relevant project aims.

Kilroy, A., Garner, C., Parkinson, C., Kagan, C., & Senior, P. (2008). Invest to save: Arts in health evaluation. Exploring the impact of creativity, culture and the arts, on health and well being . Manchester: Arts for Health, Manchester Metropolitan University.Manchester Metropolitan University.