The Role of Arts in Mental Healthcare: A Growing Global Movement
Psychiatrists and arts stakeholders are increasingly advocating for the integration of creative expression into mental healthcare systems around the world. They argue that art, including music, drama, painting, and storytelling, can serve as more than just a form of entertainment—it is a powerful tool for treatment, assessment, and even prevention of mental health issues.
Art-based therapies are now being used globally to help individuals of all ages manage trauma, reduce stress, and build emotional resilience. In many African communities, where music, drama, and spiritual practices are deeply embedded in daily life, incorporating the arts into mental health care offers a culturally relevant and effective approach to healing.
This movement was highlighted during a recent webinar organized by the Lagos Arts and Health Festival (LAHFEST), an international initiative exploring the intersection between creative expression and health. The festival, held from August 24 to 30, is part of the Global South Arts & Health Initiative, which aims to promote education, research, and interdisciplinary practices in the field of arts and health.
Art as the Foundation of Medicine
During the event, Professor Taiwo Sheikh, a psychiatrist at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, emphasized the historical connection between art and medicine. He explained that long before science became the dominant force in healthcare, early medical practices were rooted in artistic expression.
“Medicine itself began as an art—the practice of healing through creativity,” he said. “Even today, despite evidence-based approaches, art continues to play a significant role in mental health care. Psychological tests, such as inkblot analysis, are projective tools that reveal deep insights into a person’s emotional state.”
Sheikh also discussed how traditional practices in many African communities, such as consulting oracles or using symbolic rituals, reflect the cultural significance of art in healing. These methods, he noted, align with modern psychological frameworks like the biopsychosocial model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors in treatment.
Art Therapy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Professor Olayinka Atilola, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Lagos State University College of Medicine, added that collaboration between psychiatrists and artists is essential for creating effective interventions. He highlighted the importance of using art in schools to teach children emotional regulation and coping strategies.
“Art allows us to engage children in ways that lectures cannot. It makes learning more interactive and memorable,” he said. Atilola pointed to examples of drama groups that once visited schools to teach moral lessons, suggesting that similar methods could be adapted for mental health education.
He called for policies that institutionalize art-based therapies in child psychiatry, arguing that such approaches can help children develop resilience and resist negative influences.
Making Art Accessible for Mental Health
Damilola Talabi, an art therapist and founder of TED’s Therapy, stressed the importance of making art accessible to children and young people. She explained that creative activities provide a safe space for emotional expression and help individuals process grief, trauma, and difficult experiences.
“Art isn’t just about creativity—it supports emotional well-being, social connections, and cognitive development,” she said. Talabi urged for greater integration of art into school systems and healthcare settings to ensure that more children can benefit from its therapeutic potential.
Dr. Juliet Offiah, a medical doctor and media personality, echoed this sentiment, warning against dismissing art as a mere hobby. She argued that drawing, painting, and other forms of creative expression offer affordable and effective ways for children to heal from trauma and build emotional stability.
A Cultural Shift Toward Creative Healing
The discussions at LAHFEST underscored a growing recognition of the value of art in mental health care. From traditional practices in Africa to modern therapeutic techniques, creative expression has proven to be a powerful tool for healing.
Experts agree that repositioning art as a central component of mental health care requires not only individual efforts but also systemic change. By integrating art into education, healthcare, and policy, societies can create more inclusive and effective approaches to mental wellness.
As the conversation continues, one message remains clear: art is not just a form of expression—it is a vital resource for building resilience, fostering emotional well-being, and transforming lives.
