New research led by The University of Western Australia confirms a widespread community desire to participate in the arts for better mental health.

The groundbreaking Good Arts, Good Mental Health® media campaign, a global first, has empowered individuals to proactively and regularly engage in mental health enhancing creative activities.

The campaign research, involving almost 700 people, revealed high agreement and strong intention to act on the message, with nearly 90 per cent of respondents agreeing that arts engagement could enhance mental wellbeing.

UWA Centre for Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing Director, Dr Christina Davies said whether it’s music, reading, painting, dance or whatever arts activities made you feel good, taking part in the creative events and hobbies you enjoy could significantly boost your mental health.

“You don't have to be good at art for the arts to be good for you,” Dr Davies said.

“In fact, as little as two hours of arts per week can make a tangible difference to your mental wellbeing.

“Future waves of the Good Arts, Good Mental Health campaign will aim to reinforce message awareness and increase understanding of concepts like the arts-mental health dose,” Dr Davies said.

The latest study and the Good Arts, Good Mental Health campaign are guided by award-winning research and co-designed with input from the community, government, industry and philanthropic partners.

“Good Arts, Good Mental Health resources are free to view and download from our website or @goodartsgoodmentalhealth on Instagram and Facebook,” said Dr Davies.

The Good Arts, Good Mental Health initiative is supported by the Western Australian Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, which is an initiative of the WA State Government, The Ian Potter Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, CircuitWest, St John of God Health Care, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.