RESEARCH

Art, Nature and Mental Health: Assessing the Biopsychosocial Effects of a ‘Creative Green Prescription’ Museum Programme Involving Horticulture, Artmaking and Collections

This study shows that a combined arts- and nature-based museum program can significantly improve the wellbeing of adult mental health service users. It advocates for museums to integrate creative outdoor and indoor activities that use their spaces and collections to promote green prescribing.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma

Setting or Context: Community Gardens, Public/Botanical Gardens

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Greater Sense of Purpose, Increased Sense of Belonging (Reduced Isolation), Improved Physical Health

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Forest/Natural Area Immersion

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

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Summary

This analysis explores how a combined arts- and nature-based museum program, called a “creative green prescription,” affects the biopsychosocial wellbeing of adult mental health service users. The program involved horticulture, artmaking, and engagement with museum collections. The study found that such programs have “distinct synergistic benefits” and can significantly impact the psychosocial wellbeing of adult mental health service users. It suggests that museums with parks and gardens should integrate outdoor and indoor activities that combine nature, art, and wellbeing.

The study highlights that social prescribing, including “green prescriptions,” is gaining momentum as a way to improve health and wellbeing. It points out the potential of museums and art galleries to use their outdoor spaces for wellbeing activities, combining horticulture and gardening with creativity and culture. The program examined in the study, ‘Grow: Art, Park & Wellbeing’, involved both green activities outdoors and arts-based activities indoors, with the aim of exploring the health and wellbeing outcomes of this combination. The study suggests that engaging with both arts and nature can lead to positive biopsychosocial outcomes for adults with mental health issues.

Link

Thomson, L.J., Morse, N., Elsden, E., & Chatterjee, H.J. (2020). Art, nature and mental health: Assessing the biopsychosocial effects of a ‘creative green prescription’ museum programme involving horticulture, artmaking and collections. Perspectives in Public Health, 140(5), 277-285.

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