Art Cure

“In Art Cure, Fancourt makes a compelling case that the arts should be part of the solution to improving human health and well-being. Her approach is highly multidisciplinary, crossing boundaries and providing a holistic approach to improving quality of life at the population level.”

“Art Cure argues that engaging with the arts isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a measurable health intervention. Daisy Fancourt draws on decades of research, including many of her own studies, showing that music, visual art, dance, and performance can reduce stress and depression, strengthen memory, and support brain health—whether you’re creating the art yourself or simply bearing witness to it. Along the way, she offers practical ways to bring the arts into everyday life, not just for pleasure, but also for well-being.”

“In her debut book, award-winning psychologist and epidemiologist Fancourt makes a strong case for the significance of the arts—“the forgotten fifth pillar of health”—in every aspect of well-being…an inspiring book that’s based on persuasive science.”

“We all know the assignment: eat right, get enough sleep, exercise, and enjoy nature. In Art Cure, Dr. Daisy Fancourt reveals a 5^th pillar of good health—the ARTS! Through compelling stories backed by rigorous research, she shows how the arts make us healthier emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She then guides us in building our own habit of active arts engagement—something from which everyone can benefit. I dare you to read Art Cure and not want to sing in a choir, pen a poem, or pick up a paintbrush. Fancourt has dispelled the myth that the arts are a luxury; they are the prescription for a healthier, more meaningful life.”

“The value of the arts to the health and wellbeing of the nation has been undervalued and overlooked for too long.  Daisy Fancourt’s book makes it clear they are inseparable.”

“A book for our times. Art Cure is a compelling reminder that the arts are not luxuries, but powerful tools for our health. Fancourt elegantly distills the evidence for what we have always intuitively felt; that music, literature, cinema, and art are powerful universal remedies. Best of all, she shows us how to utilize the arts to make simple, health-enhancing changes in our own lives. A glorious read.”