The Healing Arts Scotland (HAS) Festival is happening all across Scotland between the 19-23 August 2024. Healing Arts Scotland is part of the global Healing Arts campaign created by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The aim of the week is to mobilise and strengthen local arts and health projects and organisations to address Scotland’s current health concerns. The festival is an exciting opportunity to explore the impact that the arts can have on health and learn from experts from around the globe.
Whether it’s dance classes, choir rehearsals, creative writing workshops or pot throwing, every day in Scotland fantastic events take place all across the country that help improve people’s wellbeing. Healing Arts Scotland is a week-long celebration of these events, highlighting the joy they bring to those who take part, and their importance to the nation’s physical, mental and social health. This will be the first ever countrywide Healing Arts Week, following previous city-wide celebrations around the world.
Some key events taking place include an outdoor large-scale Opening Celebration performance at the Scottish Parliament as part of the Edinburgh International Festival; two days of speakers and panel discussions on the impact of healing arts activity; a Wellbeing Concert in Glasgow; and a series of special events in Aberdeen, Orkney and Lewis. Other events include:
Balmwell Storytelling Walk, Edinburgh, 23 August 2024 1:30PM-2:45PM: Journey from the verdant Gardens of Gracemount Mansion to the ancient, healing Balmwell. Learn about the heritage and legends of this special place where kings once bathed, and be mindful in nature to support well-being.
Hidden Sanctuary Exhibition, Edinburgh, 1-31 August 2024 6PM: An exhibition of screenprints created as part of an exciting national arts relay by participants with caring roles in collaboration with Bazooka Arts and Glasgow Print Studio.
Nemo Art’s Taiko Drumming Performance and Workshop, Glasgow, 21 August 2024 3PM-4PM: Experience the energetic world of Taiko drumming with Nemo Arts. These sessions are designed for adults experiencing poor mental health, offering a dynamic way to boost well-being – as not only is Taiko drumming an incredible workout, but it also creates an uplifting energy that sets a tone for the week.
Getting involved will help highlight how many brilliant events take place across Scotland, encouraging more people to take part, and highlight their importance.
For further information about the festival and to get involved, please visit the Healing Arts Scotland Website.
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