Art as Medicine — How have the arts and health sectors evolved to create social wellbeing?
London Art Fair Panel Discussion with Tara Swart MD PhD & Charley Peters PhD
This is a summary of a panel discussion took place at London Art Fair. As an artist and design lecturer, I, June Mineyama-Smithson, had the pleasure of chairing a fascinating discussion on the intersection of art and well-being with Dr. Tara Swart, a neuroscientist and former psychiatrist, and Dr. Charley Peters, an artist and academic. Our conversation explored the profound impact of art on mental and physical health, and I’m excited to share some of the key insights we uncovered.
The Science Behind Art and Well-being
Dr.Tara Swart introduced us to neuroaesthetics, the study of how art and beauty influence our brains, bodies, and longevity. One of the most striking statistics she shared was that “simply visiting an art gallery a few times a year can reduce the risk of dying by up to 31%!” Engaging with art, whether by viewing or creating, helps shift the brain from a stress-driven state to a more positive, trust-based mode, releasing oxytocin (the bonding hormone) and reducing cortisol (the stress hormone). This has direct benefits for mental health, lowering inflammation and promoting overall well-being.
Art activity for 20 mins a day can help us live longer
She also explained that “an art activity for just 20 minutes a day can contribute to a longer life.” The benefits aren’t just about looking at art but also about making it. “It’s about everything that pushes you more into the love-trust state.”
The Artist’s Perspective
Dr. Charley Peters shared her personal experience as an artist, describing how creating art provides a sense of calm, focus, and self-expression. I completely resonated with her description of painting as an active meditation, allowing us to disconnect from the constant digital noise of the world. As she put it, “For me, the happiest and calmest I feel is when I’m in my studio, creating.” However, she also acknowledged the challenges of being a professional artist, where financial and performance pressures can sometimes overshadow the pure joy of creation.
Charley also reflected on how art can provide a unique voice, saying: “It gives us a voice. In a world where it’s very noisy, having the ability to make something that comes just from us really matters.”
The Power of Daily Creativity
Referencing Ivy Ross, co-author of Your Brain on Art, Tara highlighted that engaging in an artistic activity for just 20 minutes a day can contribute to a longer life. Whether it’s painting, dancing, listening to music, or even coloring, the key is to switch from the task mode network (focused, logical thinking) to the default mode network (creative, free-flowing thinking), which fosters new connections and insights.
She also posed an interesting question: "When art is your job, how do you separate any financial pressure or pressure to perform from actually being creative?"
Finding Balance in Artistic Practice
Charley and I reflected on the challenge of maintaining creativity while also navigating the demands of a professional art career. While we are constantly engaged in creative work, we recognized the importance of making time for art that is purely for pleasure, separate from career ambitions. It’s something I strive to practice myself.
Charley humorously admitted, “I could do with being less creative and getting more task-orientated things done, like my accounts, but I will always leave that to the bottom of the to-do list.”
Conclusion
Whether you’re an artist or someone who simply enjoys the arts, embracing creativity in daily life can be a transformative practice. As Charley put it, “Painting is like active meditation” And as Tara reminded us, “Art pushes us into a state of love and trust, benefiting both the brain and body.”
So, take a moment today to visit a gallery, pick up a paintbrush, or dance around your living room—it might just add years to your life!
How do you incorporate creativity into your daily routine? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Can we collaborate?
I’m June aka MAMIMU, an artist / educator on a mission to spread optimism. If you share the same vision and want to make the world a better place through public art, product collaboration, workshops, or anything else, let's talk.
Together, we can amplify our impact and create a brighter future for all.