Connecting the dots: the state of arts and health in Singapore

Background: This article examines the state of the field of arts and health in Singapore and identifies the drivers that have shaped its development to date, adding new insights from Asia to the growing international literature in this area. Methods: Various methods, including an online survey and i...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tan, Michael Koon Boon, Tan, Chao Min, Tan, Soon Guan, Yoong, Joanne, Gibbons, Brent
Other Authors: School of Art, Design and Media
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: 2022
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Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10356/163025
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Institution: Nanyang Technological University
Language: English
Description
Summary:Background: This article examines the state of the field of arts and health in Singapore and identifies the drivers that have shaped its development to date, adding new insights from Asia to the growing international literature in this area. Methods: Various methods, including an online survey and in-depth focus groups were used. Results: We find that the field in Singapore is rapidly growing, with a proliferation of activities across the arts and culture, healthcare, and social care sectors in recent decades fostered by various policy developments, increased funding and new peer-to-peer networking. Nevertheless, several issues persist, including inconsistent understanding and conceptualisation of the field as a whole across multiple stakeholders, limited research capacity and training platforms, and lack of professional recognition. Conclusions: We provide recommendations for further action, including developing arts and health literacy and research capacity, investing in efforts to bridge education and practice, and focusing on formalising and elevating professional standards.