Are you familiar with the term “cultural prescribing”?
When you hear the word “prescription,” you might think of the medication you receive at the pharmacy. However, there is another kind of prescription that can help heal our hearts and build connections with society. This is a new approach called “cultural prescribing,” which utilizes art and culture to enhance well-being.
What Is Cultural Prescribing?
Cultural prescribing is a movement that aims to foster health through non-medical means, using art and cultural activities as a foundation. Previously, it was thought that nutrition, sleep and exercise were the three essential factors for good health. In recent years, we have come to understand that it is also important to build interpersonal connections. Studies have shown that unwanted loneliness and isolation are more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and have a much greater impact on life expectancy than originally thought.
Although there is a growing understanding of the importance of connections for health, one unique aspect of cultural prescribing through art and cultural activities is that the impact is not simply about relationships with other people, but also about creating connections with one’s inner self. We are now seeing growing interest in participation in creative and cultural activities as a way to connect with oneself and with society, with the aim of achieving a healthy and happy life.
As humans are social animals, the acts of “living” and “connecting with others” are closely intertwined. Art was born in human communities as a way to nurture those connections. People told stories and shared their thoughts and feelings with each other as they evolved. If we think about how such creative activities may have contributed to societal stability and well-being throughout human history, we can begin to understand the potential positive impact of cultural prescribing.
How does cultural prescribing work? To give an example, a cultural link worker in a certain region serves as a “connector.” This connector listens carefully to an individual’s interests and favorite activities, and proposes cultural activities based on that information. For example, for someone who used to enjoy visiting art museums but has stopped going out due to poor health, the link worker might suggest participating in a program where the person can chat with others while viewing art at a museum. This could be the first time for the individual to participate in such a program, and the hope is that the experience will refresh their spirits and give them a sense of renewed energy. Whether it’s enjoying music with local residents or meeting new friends through creative activities, engaging in such experiences helps foster connections with ourselves and with others.
International Trends and Developments in Japan
In Japan, the cultural prescription movement has been evolving with consideration to the types of activities that might be uniquely suited to Japan, using the “creative health” and “social prescribing” approaches from the UK as a starting point. As part of our 10-year research project, as of 2025, we are currently implementing cultural prescription activities in nine local governments across Japan, in conjunction with a wide range of organizations. This includes cultural institutions such as universities and museums, medical and welfare institutions, local governments, and private companies.
Japan is home to a wealth of cultural assets, including more than 5,000 museums alone. Looking at these museum collections from the perspective of cultural prescribing, we can see that there are actually many local resources that can contribute to our physical and mental health. At present, we may not yet be considering local cultural resources from the perspective of well-being, but a wide range of possibilities open up if citizens proactively engage with the collections of such museums and consider how these resources can contribute to health.
Next Steps for Cultural Prescribing
At times, we all feel lonely and seek connection. That is only natural as human beings. Cultural prescribing shows us new possibilities, as art and culture have the power to connect people in a way that transcends words and resonate with the heart.
Museums, art galleries and other forms of culture that exist in our communities are not merely places where we go to “observe,” but precious resources that nurture our vitality. Through cultural prescribing, we aim to create a society where each individual can live authentically and creatively. Quietly and steadily, this transformation is already underway around the world.