Arts and wellbeing

We believe that the arts can make a positive contribution to an individual's wellbeing. We work with colleagues across the University to provide creative activities and support initiatives in mental health and wellbeing.

Involvement in any type of arts and cultural activity is proven to help your health and well-being. There are many studies and documentation outlining its benefits, but we don’t need these to tell you how it helps make you feel better. Have a go at any of LU Arts activities and we are sure you will reap the rewards.

The positive effects of the arts for health and wellbeing have been well-documented. Arts Council England has identified in their research the positive impact of the arts upon mental health, not least depression and anxiety, as well as improvements in social wellbeing, including reduced loneliness and isolation.

Below you can find out more about some of the specific projects we are/have been involved in.

In addition to these, we are working closely with the Student Wellbeing Advisers to provide creative workshops as part of a creative wellbeing series in 2022/23.

Graphically designed image with a white background on the left and a black background on the right. There are drawings of leaves in white outlines and abstract shapes in green, pale brown and indigo.

The LU Arts Journal

We've produced our our very own journal to encourage you to give journaling a go as a way of looking after your wellbeing.
Mindfulness Colouring Book

Mindfulness Colouring Book

We commissioned talented illustration and fine art students to create drawings for our mindfulness colouring book. You can download pages from the book here. Print them off and colour in at home!
A copy of the LU Arts Journal open at the page Get Creative Today with a light green background behind this. The left hand page has text on a white background with small black and white illustrations to accompany this. On the right hand page you can just see the start of the poem Little Things visible with colourful illustrations to accompany this of a couple holding hands in the snow.

Get Creative Today

We've come up with some simple suggestions of ways you could get creative in your spare time to support your wellbeing.