Creative health explored in Born In Bradford?s Age of Wonder: the association between Arts and Cultural Engagement on Health and Wellbeing

Creative health is defined as creative approaches and activities which have benefits for our health and wellbeing (such as visual and performing arts, music, attending museums). The proposed research will explore how creative health, specifically taking part in arts and cultural activities, is associated with subsequent health-related outcomes of young adults in Bradford.

Using Age of Wonder data from young people in Bradford, I will look at how arts engagement is associated with health-related outcomes, adjusting for key confounding variables. Associations will be analysed using regression models. Confounders will be identified using directed acyclic graphs.

Initially I will do a cross-sectional analysis using 23/24 data. Then I will undertake a longitudinal analysis using baseline arts engagement (23/24 data) with subsequent health-related outcomes (24/25 data).

Outcomes will be determined systematically (e.g. using a framework) but will likely include wellbeing – loneliness, and educational attainment.

This research will add to the body of evidence justifying for investment of creative health activities, specifically arts and culture. The findings could inform future policies and investment in arts programmes across Bradford and cities with similar socio-economic contexts, with the goal of increasing opportunities and reducing health inequalities.