The World Health Organisation (WHO) is the UN's special organisation for health. During the last two decades, there has been a large increase in research on the effects of art on health and well-being. We were given the task of communicating how art and culture can promote good health, and through this project with WHO we have been able to take part in many touching stories.
"Over the last two decades, there has been a large increase in research on the effects of art on health and well-being," WHO writes in their new report «What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?». Results from over 3000 studies identify how art can influence, treat and improve poor health.
We were given the task of communicating how art and culture can promote good health and have through this project with WHO been able to take part in many touching stories. WHO wanted a personal narrative angle that captured human stories. After a period of research and several interviews, this short series with different stories came to life.
«We are grateful to Silje, Bengt, Charlotte and Arve for sharing their stories and to AVIA Production for their help in telling them with such sincerity, integrity and care.»
- Andrea Scheel, Technical Officer, Behavioural and Cultural Insights Unit, WHO Regional Office for Europe
Silje
Art can be helpful for people with mental illness. Silje has been diagnosed with PTSD, DID and Schizophrenia, which has impacted her all her life. She has found joy in art and says that it gives her the opportunity to express thoughts and feelings. Get to know Silje and what art has done for her:
Bengts
The use of dance can be meaningful at the same time as it clinically proves to improve mobility among people with Parkinson's disease. After Bengt was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he struggled to find meaning in life. Get to know Bengt and how he learned to live with the disease by finding joy in dance:
Arve
Art can serve as an alternative treatment where traditional methods fail. Arve has been a drug addict for 15-20 years, and has been in and out of institutions. Life changed when he met the music therapist Vegard and music became a lifeline. Get to know Arve and what music has done for him:
Charlotte
The use of song has been shown to lead to a clear reduction in postpartum depression. In addition to therapy with a psychotherapist, Charlotte has found joy in Melodies for Mums, a group that offers singing lessons for mothers who experience stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem after childbirth. Get to know Charlotte and how singing and Melodies for Mums have helped her:
«When it comes to public health at the global level, we sometimes lose sight of the individuals behind the statistics and datasets. Through these short films, we are reminded of how difficult it can be to live with different health challenges. But we can also see the glimmer of hope that new approaches, like arts and health interventions, can bring to people.
The evidence is there. Many arts and health interventions can provide creative solutions to complex challenges in areas where modern medicine sometimes falls short. It is our hope that these films will inspire health decision-makers to invest in the arts and culture sector in the innovation of health care systems across Europe and beyond.»
- Andrea Scheel, Technical Officer, Behavioural and Cultural Insights Unit, WHO Regional Office for Europe
We have the expertise and experience to produce films that can reach millions of people, and with that promote positive change. Our vision and our social mission is to influence people's lives, choices and attitudes is positive. We are proud of the collaboration with WHO and that we can contribute with conveying important topics such as this.