Art Cure. Daisy Fancourt

'Elegantly distils the evidence for what we have always intuitively felt; that music, literature, cinema, and art are powerful universal remedies . . . A book for our times. ' GILLIAN ANDERSON, bestselling author, actress and activist

DIET. SLEEP. EXERCISE. NATURE. ARTS?

Many of us consider making and consuming art to be a hobby, or even a luxury. But what if arts engagement – from classical music to salsa, poetry to pop concerts, galleries to graffiti – was in fact one of our most powerful tools for unlocking health and happiness?

What if art could help you live longer – and even save your life?

In Art Cure , world-leading expert and award-winning scientist Professor Daisy Fancourt reveals the life-changing power of the arts, including how:

- Songs support the architectural development of children’s brains.

- Creative hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia.

- Visual art and music act just like drugs to reduce depression, stress, and pain.

- Dance build new neural pathways for people with brain injuries.

- Going to live music events, museums, exhibitions, and the theatre decreases our risk of future loneliness and frailty.

- Engaging in the arts improves the functioning of every major organ system in the body. And, perhaps most importantly, how art helps us not only to survive, but to thrive and flourish.