Thursday 13 May 2010, 11.00–13.00

The purpose of this open public discussion is to examine what it is that art has to offer in improving the health of society. A panel of distinguished artists will be joined by professionals who have engaged with the arts to affect change in their organisations and those who have experienced how the arts can impact on their health.

Over the last ten years, understanding of the potential benefits of involvement in the arts has grown exponentially. At the same time, cultural institutions have responded to this by offering a range of opportunities for people to experience the arts in ways that can be seen to improve their health. This discussion will seek to unpick this development by looking at what health benefits cultural spaces might offer and how this might be assessed. The discussion will also address the question of whether, in working with organisations that are attempting to deliver health benefits, cultural institutions diminish their role in delivering "art for art's sake".

Moreover, shouldn't health be the preserve of the health professionals – what good can artists do by getting involved in wellbeing?

The discussion, which will be chaired by Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of the South Bank Centre, will be preceded by presentations from Sarah Waller of the King's Fund and Portugal Prints from Westminster MIND describing specific initiatives they have undertaken with the Community programme, Learning at Tate Modern that have involved staff and patients in the health service.

With an audience drawn from the cultural sector alongside health professionals, this promises to be a lively and insightful debate. Introduced by Liz Ellis, Curator Community programme, Learning Tate Modern and Damian Hebron, Director London Arts and Health Forum.

Tate Modern  Starr Auditorium
Free, booking required

This event is related to the Celebrate 10 Years of Tate Modern exhibition