"You Don’t Have to Be Good at Art, for the Arts to Be Good for You."

As the mental health crisis deepens across Australia, rural health professionals are increasingly looking for innovative ways to support community well-being. The University of Western Australia's Good Arts, Good Mental Health (GAGMH) program is stepping up to the challenge with a new health promotion campaign, designed to boost mental health through the arts. Based on award-winning research, this campaign provides a fresh perspective on mental health strategies, emphasising the role of recreational arts in enhancing well-being.

The Arts: A Powerful Tool for Mental Well-Being

The GAGMH campaign champions the idea that engaging in the arts can be a simple, effective, and enjoyable way to improve mental health. "You don’t have to be good at art, for the arts to be good for you," says Dr Christina Davies, Director of GAGMH. “Our campaign encourages people to engage in arts activities that bring them joy and to aim for an ‘arts dose’ of two hours per week. This small commitment could make a significant difference in their mental health.”

This initiative seeks to demystify the connection between the arts and mental health. It also broadens the definition of “recreational arts” beyond traditional activities like painting or drawing. Recreational arts encompass a wide variety of activities, including reading books, listening to music, photography, colouring, crafts, singing, dancing, sewing, woodwork, attending concerts, festivals, and theatre. “The list is endless!” says Dr. Davies.

“Arts activities are fun and are often things we already do as part of our daily lives for enjoyment, entertainment, or as a hobby,” she adds. “Engaging with the arts can boost happiness, joy, confidence, and self-esteem. It also helps to reduce social isolation and provides much-needed stress relief.”

Incorporating Arts into Daily Life

The beauty of this approach lies in its accessibility. Rural health professionals can encourage patients to incorporate arts into their daily routines in manageable ways. Whether it’s reading a book on the bus to work, listening to music while exercising, scribbling in a journal before bed, knitting, attending a local music festival, or participating in community art classes, there are countless ways to get the recommended arts dose.

“We want everyone to join us on this creative journey towards better mental health,” Dr Davies urges. The campaign is tailored to fit into busy lifestyles and considers cost-of-living pressures, offering inexpensive and accessible options for everyone.

A Community-Centric Approach

Good Arts, Good Mental Health was developed with input from over 3,000 community members, ensuring that it resonates with a broad audience. The initiative is supported by the Western Australian Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, the Minderoo Foundation, The Ian Potter Foundation, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, CircuitWest, and St John of God Health Care. This broad support underscores the importance of mental health initiatives that are inclusive and widely accessible.

Where Do You Find Free Resources

For rural health professionals looking to promote mental well-being in their communities, the GAGMH campaign provides practical, research-backed resources. Short learning videos and free resources are available on the campaign’s website, www.goodartsgoodmentalhealth.com.au, or through social media channels on Instagram and Facebook (@goodartsgoodmentalhealth).

Join the Movement!

The Good Arts, Good Mental Health campaign invites everyone to explore the vast potential of the arts to improve mental well-being. Whether you are a rural health professional, a community leader, or someone interested in enhancing your mental health, there’s a place for you in this movement.

For more information, visit www.goodartsgoodmentalhealth.com.au.