The arts and culture have proven to be key tools for improving community wellbeing and health. However, in many regions of Latin America, their impact has not yet been sufficiently explored or utilised within public health strategies.
In this context, the NIHR Global Research Centre: Community Management of Long-Term Conditions in latin America is carrying out an innovative project to map artistic and cultural resources in Bolivia, Guatemala, and Colombia, more specifically in the rural towns of San José del Guaviare (Colombia), San José de Chiquitos (Bolivia), and San Juan Chamelco and San Pedro Carchá (Guatemala).
Why is this study important?
Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) including mental health issues represent a significant burden in the region. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the need to develop innovative strategies to reduce these problems, with art and culture emerging as low-cost, high-impact interventions. This project seeks to identify and analyse how artistic and cultural resources can contribute to community health and wellbeing.
What do we understant by health?
“A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” (World Health Organisation)
As part of the project’s research process, an interdisciplinary definition was also developed by researchers from Colombia, Guatemala, Bolivia and the United Kingdom regarding the concept of health. This definition is as follows:
Health is not limited solely to the absence of illness, but rather represents a comprehensive state of well-being that encompasses the physical, mental and social aspects of a person. It refers to a harmony between the individual and their environment, enabling them to live their life according to their interests and aspirations.
When a person enjoys good health, they not only possess a functional body free from ailments, but also experience emotional stability and maintain fulfilling social relationships. Furthermore, the environment plays a fundamental role, as a healthy and balanced setting supports the individual’s full development. In this sense, health is a dynamic and holistic concept that depends both on individual well-being and the social and environmental conditions in which a person lives.
The Relationship Between Art and Health
At our NIHR LatAm Centre, we understand art as a powerful tool for the promotion of health and well-being, as it enables the expression of emotions, the alleviation of stress, and the strengthening of the connection between the individual and their environment. Through music, painting, dance, writing, and broader artistic and cultural expressions, people are able to channel their thoughts and feelings, which contributes to emotional and mental balance.
Moreover, art fosters creativity and self-awareness, offering spaces for reflection, empowerment, and self-discovery that enhance personal harmony. On a social level, art also strengthens community life, encouraging empathy and communication among individuals. In this way, art not only enriches the soul, stimulates action, agency, and inspires transformation, but also becomes a pathway towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Methodology: How is the mapping carried out?
Based on a pilot developed by the organisation People’s Palace Projects (Queen Mary University) in the favela of Manguinhos (Brazil), the programme is building from that experience and evolving in three main phases:
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Identification of artistic and cultural resources: A search has been conducted in the selected regions of Guatemala, Bolivia, and Colombia through structured observations, interviews with cultural leaders, and document reviews.
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Analysis of community perception: An assessment is was made of how community members perceive the use of art and culture in health promotion.
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Creation of a resource catalogue: A detailed catalogue is being compiled, serving as a tool for future public health interventions based on art and culture.
Expected outcomes
The ultimate goal of the study is to generate both a printed and digital catalogue documenting the artistic and cultural resources in the selected cities of Guatemala, Bolivia, and Colombia. The resource catalogue is expected to be launched in the first half of 2025.
“We thought we knew what was in the community, that we knew it well. But it has been a great surprise to discover that there was much more. I feel that a network of community connections is growing. It’s exciting,” commented one of the local researchers on the activity.
Additionally, the findings will be disseminated in scientific publications and academic events to encourage the integration of art and culture-based strategies within public health systems.
Impact and future of the project
This mapping exercise will not only identify the available resources but also open doors for future initiatives
that integrate art into community health strategies. The results are expected to serve as a model for other regions and contribute to the development of inclusive and culturally relevant public policies.
A local researcher from Guatemala remarked: “Many cultural producers and artists were surprised when we discussed the relationship between culture and healthcare. It was something most of them had never considered, but they felt it was a newly discovered potential, and people are now eager to understand more.”
This project represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate that art and culture can be key allies in promoting wellbeing and preventing disease. With active community participation, this mapping initiative will be a fundamental step towards a more comprehensive and innovative approach to public health.
