A sold-out event held in Worcester brought together leading voices exploring the role of creativity in health and wellbeing.
The Therapeutic Landscapes II symposium, held by the University of Worcester, attracted more than 130 participants from around the UK and beyond who came to discuss how the arts can improve health outcomes.
Creative health is the use of activities such as art, music, storytelling and performance to support people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. The Therapeutic Landscapes symposium focused on the relationship between folklore and creative health.
Across two days participants joined panel discussions, shared research, creative practice and discussion, networked, and explored new ways of understanding wellbeing through culture, landscape and community.
The event was co-organised by Desdemona McCannon, Principal Lecturer in Illustration and Dr John Cussans, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art and leader of the Arts and Health Research Group at the University,
Dr Cussans said: “The Therapeutic Landscapes symposium brings together practitioners, artists and researchers to explore how creative practice and ideas of health and wellbeing can intersect in meaningful ways.”
“We welcomed creative health practitioners, academic researchers, artists and creatives, local and regional health organisations and many more.”
Dr Cussans added: “What began as a conversation has grown into an annual symposium and research network, creating a space for people to share work, ideas and experiences around creative health.”
Desdemona McCannon said: “Central to this symposium is examining how folklore and folk culture can inform creative health practices, from ritual and storytelling to embodied, place-based experiences.”
“Folklore brings in those quieter, often overlooked ways of knowing,” Desdemona continued. “Stories, rituals, and traditions that are rooted in place often open up new ways of thinking about what it means to feel well.”
Desdemona, who is also the leader of the Folk Cultures Special Interest Group at the University of Worcester, added: “The landscapes and folk traditions of this region really shape how we think, they offer such a rich starting point for thinking about place, belonging and wellbeing.”
To find out more and listen to the Therapeutic Landscapes Podcast, visit the project website.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk