The photo-essay was launched on Wednesday 24 September 2025 and forms the first part of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab – Lancet Global Series on the Health Benefits of the Arts in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The series highlights the growing scientific evidence supporting the role of the arts in health and well-being. The series demonstrates how the arts contribute to mental, physical, and social health by fostering resilience, emotional engagement, and social cohesion.
Professor David Cotterrell, Research Professor in Fine Art at Sheffield Hallam University, has been involved in writing, editing and curating the photo-essay.
Two projects from Sheffield Hallam are part of the photo-essay; Professor Cotterrell’s photographic work SightLines, a series depicting a trauma operating theatre in Afghanistan.
The Head UP collar project, by Heath Reed, Andy Stanton, and Dr Joe Langley, is also featured. The Head UP collar was designed to support neck weakness due to neurological disease, such as motor neurone disease (MND), and helps alleviate pain, restricted movement, as well as problems with swallowing, breathing and communication.
Professor David Cotterrell said: “This is an important milestone in achieving recognition for the extraordinary contribution that arts make to health and quality of life. Over a two-year period, the process of authoring these Lancet special editions brought together a fascinating range of academics, practitioners, and professionals from many disciplines.
“It was a privilege to be part of a global community seeking to celebrate the value of the arts in improving patient outcomes, increasing health engagement, and raising pertinent societal questions.”
The launch is part of UNGA Healing Arts Week by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, a New York City-wide celebration of the role of arts in health.
