Health and the Arts resources and contacts

• NSW Health and The Arts Framework - NSW Health’s overarching Framework for the integration of The Arts
• NSW Health and the Arts fact sheets
  • Rationale and Evidence for Health and the Arts
  • Known Implementation Factors for Health and the Arts Initiatives: A Synthesis
  • Model Terms of Reference - Health and the Arts Committee
  • A Summary: NSW Arts and Cultural Policy Framework & the National Arts and Health Framework
• Health and the Arts Taskforce Report, reflecting the extensive consultation and review process of the Taskforce.
• Guidelines for Visual Art Programs in NSW Health Services Facilities Guideline
• Guidelines for Performance Art Programs in NSW Health Services and Facilities Guideline

The following contacts in NSW Local Health Districts and Health Networks can be contacted for information about local Health and the Arts projects.

Contact arts@doh.health.nsw.gov.au (Ministry of Health) for general advice about Health and the Arts policy.

• Arts for Health and Wellbeing: An Evaluation Framework - developed by Public Health England, this provides guidance on effective ways of documenting and evaluating arts projects and programs that seek to improve health and wellbeing.
• Making Art with Communities: A Work Guide - developed by Arts Victoria in conjunction with VicHealth and Victorian community arts network, Castanet, this provides a step-by-step guide to implementing community arts projects.
• Create in NSW: NSW Arts and Cultural Policy Framework
• National Arts and Health Framework

• Accessible Arts, the peak arts and disability organisation across NSW, provides practical checklists and information sheets for arts and cultural organisations to help build access and new audiences..
• Alzheimer’s Australia is the peak body providing support and advocacy for Australians living with dementia. It offers a range of innovative national dementia programs and services providing information, support, counselling, training and education to people with dementia, their families and carers, as well as to professionals working in the dementia field.
• Arts Access Australia is the peak national body for arts and disability. Their website has information on Australia’s arts and disability sector, including resources, advice, reports and definitions of ‘arts and disability’ and ‘disability arts’ and ‘arts and health’. Arts Access Australia advocates for the rights of people with disability to have access to arts activities for the benefit of their health and wellbeing.
• Arts and Health Australia is a networking and advocacy organisation and consulting agency established to enhance and improve health and wellbeing in the community through engagement in creative activities. Arts and Health Australia provides current research and strategic solutions to its clients, and hosts conferences, forums and training programs. Their website includes links to resources, research and case studies.
• Arts Health Institute believes that The Arts enrich our lives, help humanise institutions and are vital in providing quality in care. The Institute provides national programs, education and research to bring The Arts into health and aged care environments, and uses the expertise of professional performers, artists and musicians.
• Arts in Health at Flinders Medical Centre has, since 1996, integrated The Arts into the daily life of the hospital. Flinders Medical Centre is a leading health promoting hospital improving the physical and social environment for a healthier, healing culture for patients, families, visitors, staff and volunteers. Program elements include gardens, gallery spaces, public art and performances.
• Arts OutWest is the peak arts and cultural body for the Central West of NSW. In 2008, in partnership with the Western NSW Local Health District, it launched the Bathurst Art & Health Program. Initially based at the Bathurst Health Service, it extended to include work in other centres such as Cowra and in local health settings through the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Strategy. It has involved local partners and stakeholders across health services and The Arts. Their website features projects including in arts and health, as well as resources and workshops.
• Arts South Australia signed an agreement with the SA Department of Health in 2008 to encourage arts and health agencies to work together to maximise the potential of The Arts to add value to current priority health strategies.
• Australian Creative Arts Therapies Association is a national, non-profit organisation that maintains professional standards for the practice of creative arts therapies in Australia, providing professional support and communication networks for its members. Arts therapists use creative, arts-based processes as part of their therapeutic work with clients, to facilitate self expression, communication, self awareness and personal development.
• Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is a web based resource that aims to inform practice and policy in Indigenous health by making research and other knowledge readily accessible. This contributes to ‘closing the gap’ in health between Indigenous and other Australians. An academic unit of Edith Cowan University.
• Australian Institute for Patient and Family Centred Care is a not-for-profit organisation comprising patients, family members and healthcare professionals. It aims to transform the quality and safety of Australian healthcare through innovative partnerships, supportive and effective culture, and better healthcare environments using integrated art, architecture and design.
• Cultural Development Network is an independent non-profit organisation that links communities, artists, local government and organisations to promote cultural vitality. It advocates for a stronger role for cultural expression to build a healthier, more engaged and sustainable society.