Australia Lacks National Hub for Arts and Health, Experts Claim
A recent international report on arts and health has highlighted the need for a strong national organisation to support practitioners working at the intersection of art and healthcare in Australia.
The report, conducted by researchers across 22 arts and health organisations globally, found that while there have been notable developments in arts and health policy in the past, the lack of a central hub is hindering progress. Australia has a history of world-first initiatives, including the development of its National Arts and Health Framework in 2013, but without a dedicated funding mechanism or legislative support, no persistent policy was established.
Experts argue that the current system relies heavily on regional networks, but a national organisation would provide a "meeting point" for professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and address the growing complexity of health and wellbeing issues. Christen Cornell, Manager of Research Partnerships at Creative Australia, believes that a visible and connected organisational framework is essential for arts and health in Australia.
The need for diversity within the workforce was also emphasized, with many countries including Australia experiencing predominantly white, female, middle-class workforces. The economic barrier to entry of this field has been identified as contributing to these shortcomings, highlighting the need for better pay practices and targeted initiatives such as mentorship programs to attract a more diverse range of professionals.
Experts are now pushing for greater emphasis on narrative evidence and lived experience in advancing arts and health innovation. Alexandra Coulter, Director of the UK's National Centre for Creative Health, shares success stories from the UK's own parliament inquiry into arts, health, and wellbeing, illustrating the power of personal stories to inform policy.
As global interest in arts and health continues to grow, particularly driven by the necessity of addressing complex health and wellbeing challenges, a national hub in Australia would provide a critical support system for practitioners working at this intersection. By embedding arts and healthcare practices into future health systems and wellbeing strategies, organisations aim to make a significant impact on individual and national well-being.
The report's findings have sparked calls for the development of a new national organisation, addressing gaps in services and capacity-building across regional networks. With Australia on the cusp of a major milestone in its arts and health journey, proponents are eager to push forward towards a stronger future for this vital field.