Many of us consider making and consuming art to be a hobby, or even a luxury. But what if arts engagement – from classical music to salsa, poetry to pop concerts, galleries to graffiti – was in fact one of our most powerful tools for unlocking health and happiness? What if art could help you live longer – and even save your life?

In Art Cure, Professor Daisy Fancourt reveals the life-changing power of the arts. Engaging in the arts improves the functioning of every major organ system in the body: songs support the architectural development of children’s brains; creative hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia; visual art and music act just like drugs to reduce depression, stress, and pain; dancing and drumming affect neurotransmitters, hormones, cells, proteins, even the expression of our genes; going to live music events, museums, exhibitions, and the theatre decreases our risk of future loneliness and frailty.

Informed by the ground-breaking results of decades of scientific studies, and with practical advice that gives you the tools to write your own ‘arts prescription’, Art Cure will fundamentally change the way you value and engage with arts in your daily life. The arts not only helps us to survive, they allow us to thrive and flourish.