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wenty-first century practices of health and wellbeing are increasingly turning towards the arts as powerful agents in a busy world. Key publications such as the WHO European Region report ‘What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review’ (2019) and an Arts Council England report ‘The Role of the Arts during the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (2021) have explored the many different ways in which the arts impact health as individuals and communities. Yet the relationship between health and the arts has a long history.

Proposals are invited for a two-day, online-only conference which explores a wide range of facets of the relationship between health, wellbeing and the arts during the ‘long’ nineteenth century (c.1789-1914), from an international, interdisciplinary perspective. Papers may focus on a single art form, a particular aspect of health or wellbeing, or take a more wide ranging view. Presentations are welcome from historians as well as those who draw on nineteenth-century ideas in their practice within health and creativity.

The conference will take place on Teams and will be free to attend. Proposals are invited for 20-minute papers, 60-minute round-table discussions and 90-minute panels. Please submit proposals of 250 words, together with five keywords/phrases and a biographical note of up to 80 words to rosemary.golding@open.ac.uk by Monday 21 October.


Created 10 September 2024