A Danish perspective of culture and health – towards an interdisciplinary approach

Abstract

This article considers how arts and cultural activities can arguably play a significant role in addressing public health issues. While culture and health projects gather momentum in the rest of Scandinavia, it appears that Denmark is lacking behind. This article looks at why this might be, reflecting on the structure of the health care system and policy-making in the health sector in Denmark. In the process, the article identifies the sociopolitical situation and recommends a way forward requiring an interdisciplinary approach, recognizing that while some initiatives are happening the lack of a cross-sector approach makes it difficult to develop a strategic field for arts and health in Denmark. This article makes recommendations for a national and a Scandinavian network, to inform decision-making processes for an interdisciplinary political approach, and to uncover untapped potential in arts and health projects.

Arts on prescription in Scandinavia: a review of current practice and future possibilities

“…25,[28][29][30] denMark in Denmark, the political support and recognition of culture and health is less than in Sweden or Norway. 31,32 in the 2013-2016 strategy from the Danish Ministry for Culture, there is no mention of arts and health. 33 Mental health wellbeing is, however, mentioned as one of the seven focus areas in the health strategy: 'Healthier lives for all' (Sundere liv for alle) from 2013.…”

“…in Denmark, this paradigm shift could be facilitated by municipalities developing interdisciplinary programmes to support health promotion. 31 This requires authorities to work across health and culture in partnership with academic institutions that would consolidate knowledge and develop robust research methods for evaluation. A report from the ministry of health (Sundhedsstyrelsen) from 2015 illustrated that mental health issues such as anxiety and depression had increased significantly over the past two years.…”