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
Thursday, 11 December 2025 | 9am - 6pm | Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore | NAFA Campus 3, Studio Theatre
Talks and panels will address key developments and critical issues in arts and health research, practice, and policy in Singapore and highlight ongoing global arts and health efforts.
The programme aims to foster meaningful dialogue, spark collaborations, and inspire new pathways forward at the intersection of the arts and public health. Talks and panels will delve into the developments and challenges within the evolving field of arts and health. These sessions will explore innovative research, emerging practices, and policy frameworks that shape how the arts intersect with health and well-being. Particular focus will be placed on the unique landscape of Singapore, highlighting ground-up, culturally responsive community engagement initiatives, as well as ongoing global arts and health efforts.
The day begins at 9:00 AM with a Welcome Session hosted by Michael Tan, featuring a Welcome Address by Mrs Tan Soh Wai Lan, President of NAFA, followed by Opening Remarks from Professor Kwok Kian Woon, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Arts Singapore.
At 9:30 AM, Professor Daisy Fancourt from University College London presents “Art Cure — The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health” through a recorded lecture. This is followed at 10:00 AM by Highlights from the Lancet Global Series and Nature Medicine, offering an overview of key evidence and future directions from recent academic papers, accompanied by images from the published photo-essay. The session, led by Michael, Nisha, and Stephen, concludes with an open dialogue with the audience.
A short tea break follows from 10:30 to 11:00 AM. The late morning continues with “Colours of Everyday Creativity for Flourishing: Learnings and Aspirations” and “The Arts and Professional Wellbeing: Emerging Opportunities”, exploring how creativity supports wellbeing across contexts.
After a catered lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, the afternoon features the Future Care Policy for Arts Workers Town Hall, hosted by CITRUS, inviting collective discussion on policies that support those working in the arts and creative health sectors.
From 4:30 to 4:45 PM, Professor Daisy Fancourt returns for an intimate In Conversation session, followed by Closing Remarks from 4:45 to 5:00 PM. The day concludes with a Healing Sound Session from 5:00 to 5:45 PM, led by Chia Chi Long Andy (aka Wayfarer), offering a reflective and restorative close to the programme.
