Earlier this year, it launched the ‘Art in Large Doses’ campaign, which is inspired by studies showing that a quarter of higher education students experience psychological distress. The project sees students from Central Saint Martins explore how art can support the physical and mental health of their peers. “We’re really excited to be helping push the boundaries of what is expected of art in our public health spaces,” says head of collections and programming, Amisha Karia. “Using art to create environments that encourage, enrich and empower people is key to safeguarding the wellbeing of patients.” More and more of us are turning to art as an escape from our everyday lives, as illustrated by the huge rise in sales of adult colouring books. In 2015, approximately 12 million books were sold in the USA alone. A 2017 study by psychology researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand discovered that colouring-in for as little as ten minutes per day can have mental health benefits for adults and act as an effective tool for managing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The positive effects of art are echoed by UK holistic practice assistant Patricia Heatley, who has recently taken up watercolour lessons after a 45-year break. “It allows me to switch off from the stresses in my life,” she explains. “Once I get into the class, I’m focused on what I’m
So next time you’re in need of a pick-me-up, why not reach for a paintbrush…or one of our fantastic artworks? It’s medically advised.
“Using art to create environments that encourage, enrich and empower people is key to safeguarding the wellbeing
creating and everything else is left at the door.
“I’m surrounded by holistic treatments such as massage therapy and homeopathy, and I believe that art has similar benefits. The compliments from my family also give me an emotional boost.”
of patients.” - Amisha Karia, Head of Collections and Programming at Paintings in Hospitals.
CSM students involved in the Art in Large Doses project - Photo by Glenn Michael Harper
Visitor leaves a message on the grass wall in Nature Calls - Photo by Glenn Michael Harper.
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