Teaching artistry and health
Teaching artistry and the healing power of creativity
Teaching artistry is essential for promoting community health and well-being. At ITAC, we focus on the role of teaching artists in healing by addressing mental health, chronic illness, and social isolation. Through creative engagement, individuals explore emotions, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. In partnership with organisations like the World Health Organisation, ITAC connects teaching artists with healthcare providers to develop innovative programs that leverage the arts for health intervention, supporting holistic well-being.
Harnessing the arts for community health
THE HEALING ARTS SCOTLAND ITAC RELAY
A standout example of our commitment to integrating the arts into healthcare is the Healing Arts Relay Week in Scotland. This six-month initiative, designed and led by ITAC, connected over 400 participants across Scotland, including groups focused on dance for Parkinson’s, mental health workshops, and inclusive arts spaces. By collaborating on artistic works that responded to the themes of Healing Arts Week, these diverse groups—many of whom had never interacted before—created a collective tapestry that showcased the power of the arts in promoting health and well-being.
The success of the Healing Arts Relay Week, showcased at venues like the National Galleries of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament, highlights teaching artistry’s power to connect communities and address health challenges. ITAC demonstrated how collaborative art-making can unite diverse groups in a shared mission, underscoring the arts’ role in promoting social healing and well-being—a model for future public health initiatives.