Healing Arts is a global campaign by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organization
Healing Arts is a global campaign by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organization
Healing Arts Scotland (HAS) June 2026 is a nation-wide event celebrating and advocating for improved physical, mental and social health through the arts.
Spearheaded by the Healing Arts Scotland Legacy Team, Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland, Creative Scotland, and the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the one-week activation will include conference days, performances, workshops, talks and evaluation and is produced in collaboration with a national coalition of organisations and communities across Scotland.
Building on 2024 success HAS will highlight examples of global evidence, effective national systems embedded across communities and continue to build asset-based frameworks that go beyond treating illness to addressing prevention, early intervention and long-term health outcomes. Through shared learning, policy development, and collaborative action, this initiative will unlock new pathways for healthier, more connected communities.
"The Edinburgh International Festival is proud to be part of the first ever nationwide Healing Arts campaign in Scotland. This is an important dialogue to help address health inequalities across the country and we look forward to facilitating those conversations throughout August."
"The breadth of work highlighted the significant role of arts and culture in promoting wellbeing and positive health outcomes. It is events like this that support the shared learning and collaboration required for the Scottish Government’s ambition to harness the transformative potential of culture for communities across Scotland and beyond."
"Healing Arts Scotland 2024 was an inspirational week-long celebration of the huge impact the arts has on the nation’s health and wellbeing. Scottish Ballet is proud to have led on this global outreach project in collaboration with the WHO and a host of partner organisations throughout Scotland."
"The power of personal stories and the opportunity to participate in cross-sectorial conversation led to new partnerships and ways of working. Public Health Scotland are reflecting on HAS and incorporating learning as we support Scotland’s Health and Care system, ensuring that Scotland becomes a place where everyone can thrive."
The Jameel Arts & Health Lab is a global initiative to measurably improve health and wellbeing through the arts. With a focus on overlooked and underserved communities, the Lab leverages scientific evidence, artist-led advocacy, and capacity building to drive the integration of the arts into mainstream healthcare. The Jameel Arts & Health Lab was launched in January 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, the Steinhardt School at New York University, Community Jameel, and Culturunners. Established to measurably improve health and wellbeing through the arts, it is the first major initiative of its kind to be supported by WHO.
