The first NIHR ARCseminar of the 2025 National ARC webinar series, focusing on “The power of creative arts to improve wellbeing and involvement in research of different communities,” had significant engagement and positive feedback. Chaired by Professor Simon Gilbody FMedSci from NIHR ARC Yorkshire and Humber, the webinar titled “Improving Mental Health & Wellbeing with Creative Arts” featured presentations from:
- Briana Applewhite from ARC Oxford and Thames Valley
- Dr Christalla Pithara-McKeown from ARC West
- Ioannis Bakolis & Tony Woods from ARC South London
Webinar Overview
The seminar, chaired by Professor Simon Gilbody FMedSci (Co-Lead of the NIHR ARC Yorkshire and Humber Mental Health theme), featured three concise 10-minute talks followed by Q&A sessions:
In the first talk, Briana Applewhite from ARC Oxford and Thames Valley explored how creative arts therapies (music, dance, art, drama) can improve the mental well-being of Black young people in the UK.
For the second talk, Dr Christalla Pithara-McKeown from ARC West, focused on supporting the mental health of adult asylum seekers and refugees through a community music group.
In the final talk, Dr Tony Woods & Professor Ioannis Bakolis from ARC South London, discussed the world’s largest hybrid study on the impact of the arts on mental health, integrated into a national healthcare system.
Highlights
Around 250 people from across the UK, including professionals from health and social care, the voluntary sector, local authorities, and researchers, joined the event live.
Attendees valued learning about the diverse projects and ongoing work in the field, appreciating the variety of presenters and thought-provoking topics. The content was noted for keeping to time, featuring great presentations, and providing space for questions. The webinar’s ability to offer three different angles on creative arts—professional therapeutic, non-professional, and implementation/scale—was also a significant highlight.
As one attendee commented, “The talks were very interesting and thought provoking.” Another participant highlighted, “Learning about the different projects and the work that is going on in this area.” Furthermore, feedback noted the “Variety of presenters and interesting topics.”
Recap and watch again
Don’t miss the next two webinars in this compelling series
• 11 June: “Exploring lived experience with creative arts” – register here
• 9 July: “Creative arts for dementia” – register here
Keep up-to-date with the latest research, events, and opportunities from all 15 ARCs across the country:
• Follow @NIHRARCs on X (formerly Twitter)
• Follow @nihrarcs.bsky.social on Bluesky
• Subscribe to the NIHR ARCs newsletter
• Learn more and find your local ARC on the NIHR ARCs national webpage
Regional ARC Homepages:
Slides and Project Links:
Talk 1/ Briana Applewhite
- A Systematic Review of Scientific Studies on the Effects of Music in People with or at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (2022)
- Social dance and movement for mental health: A narrative review (2024)
- A Systematic Review of Scientific Studies and Case Reports on Music and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (2021)
- Attitudes Surrounding Music of Patients With Anorexia Nervosa: A Survey-Based Mixed-Methods Analysis (2021)
- Blog: The Healing Power of Creative Arts: A DPhil Journey in Mental Health Research
Talk 2/ Dr Christalla Pithara-McKeown
- Dovetail orchestra website
- ARC West research/impact summary: Dovetail Orchestra: Can a community music group improve mental health for asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol?
Talk 3/ Prof Ioannis Bakolis and Dr Anthony (Tony) Woods