Many organizations around the world like VicHealth in Australia have done a great deal of research to increase our awareness about the important links between the arts and our health and well-being. In Canada, the Arts Health Network’s primary purpose is to increase public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the contributions of arts-based initiatives to individual and community health, as well as to Canada’s public health care system.

We know that access to the arts helps people connect socially and participate in their community’s cultural life. The role of the arts in exploring and communicating social concerns, giving voice to hidden issues and allowing self-expression is also a major contributor to health. (VicHealth)

Promoting health & wellbeing is not just about things you can do as an individual. Creating health & wellbeing is also about sharing ourselves, building community and tapping into our creativity.

Join us for the 1st annual Bridge for Health Art Show featuring work of architect, painter and musician Jack McDonald, born and raised in Kitsilano and current resident of East Vancouver, Canada.

More about Jack

Sunday April 6, 2014, 4-7pm. #sharingourselves
Location: Havana Restaurant 1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC.

If you are interested in learning more about health and arts, we encourage to visit Global Alliance for Arts & Health hosting Enhancing Lives Through Arts & Health: 25th Anniversary Conference & Celebration, will take place April 9-12, 2014 in Houston, TX. The conference, hosted by Texas Children’s Hospital, will provide a forum for hundreds of leaders in arts and health, including arts directors, healthcare providers, artists, therapists, architects, designers, administrators, educators, and researchers – bringing people together to present and discuss cutting-edge arts and health topics and exciting developments from around the world!