The Future of Arts in Public Health: Challenges and Opportunities
Kakungulu Samuel J.
Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda
ABSTRACT
The integration of the arts into public health initiatives presents unique opportunities and challenges that could transform community wellness and healthcare delivery. This paper examines the current landscape of arts-based public health interventions, tracing their historical roots, examining present-day research findings, and identifying obstacles to wider adoption. The arts, ranging from visual arts and music to dance and digital storytelling, have proven potential to foster community engagement, improve mental and physical health outcomes, and provide new avenues for communication and empathy. However, barriers such as limited funding, resistance to integration, and a lack of interdisciplinary collaboration hinder their growth. To overcome these challenges, partnerships between artists, public health professionals, and community organizations are essential, supported by increased research and funding. This paper advocates for more inclusive and evidence-based practices that prioritize the arts as a powerful tool in public health strategies.
Keywords: Arts in public health, health promotion, creative expression, community health, arts-based interventions.
CITE AS: Kakungulu Samuel J. (2024). The Future of Arts in Public Health: Challenges and Opportunities. Research Output Journal of Education 4(3):11-16. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJE/2024/431116