University News Last updated 18 June
Birmingham City University (BCU) is showcasing the growing impact of creativity on health and wellbeing this June as it hosts a major exhibition and symposium as part of the city-wide Healing Arts Birmingham 2026 programme.
Bringing together artists, researchers, healthcare professionals and community leaders, the events will explore how the arts are helping to address some of society's most pressing challenges – from loneliness and mental health to social inequality and community wellbeing.
"Creative health is one of the most exciting and fast-growing areas of contemporary arts practice,” said Franziska Schenk, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at BCU.
“This exhibition and symposium bring together artists, researchers, healthcare professionals and communities to explore how creativity can help tackle some of society's biggest challenges, from mental health and social isolation to inequality and wellbeing."
Running from 22-25 June at the School of Art's historic Margaret Street building in Birmingham city centre, the exhibition will showcase local and regional artists whose work sits at the intersection of arts, health and wellbeing.
The School will also host the 'Where Art Meets Health' symposium on Wednesday 24 June, featuring leading voices from across the creative health sector in a discussion about the role of creativity in healthcare, public health and community wellbeing.
They include Regan McDonald from Ikon Gallery's Creative Health programme, visual artist Jaskrit Dhaliwal-Boora, art therapist Dr Pamela Whitaker from Belfast School of Art, Jameel Arts & Health Lab co-founder Stephen Stapleton and artist and designer Jason Bruges.
Dr Justin Varney-Bennett from the Department of Health and Social Care will chair the panel.
Franziska added: "The School of Art has a long history of championing artists, creative innovation and socially engaged practice. As one of the UK's leading centres for art and design education, we're proud to be helping drive conversations around creative health.
"Through Healing Arts Birmingham, we're showcasing the talent, expertise and innovation that exist across our city while reinforcing Birmingham's reputation as a centre for creative health."
The exhibition is the latest example of BCU's commitment to supporting the creative industries and demonstrating the wider value of arts and culture to society.
Healing Arts Birmingham is co-led by Birmingham City Council and the Jameel Arts & Health Lab as part of its global Healing Arts campaign with the World Health Organization.
For more information and to register, click here.
Pictured: Franziska Schenk, Incubation Chamber, live performance, Birmingham School of Arts, April 2026.