New Books in Critical Theory Daisy Fancourt, "Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives" (Cornerstone Press, 2026)
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Jan 23, 2026 Daisy Fancourt, a Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London, explores the transformative power of the arts in her latest work. She reveals how arts engagement can activate brain pathways, reduce stress, and even enhance longevity. Fancourt discusses the psychological advantages of dance over traditional exercise and the importance of addressing barriers that limit access to arts programs. Through compelling evidence and personal narratives, she makes a strong case for integrating arts into public health and education.
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Arts In Hospitals Changed Her Career
- Daisy Fancourt described designing arts programmes in NHS hospitals and seeing immediate patient effects.
- She gave examples like children with burns needing less morphine and dementia patients singing childhood songs they couldn't otherwise recall.
Arts Trigger Reward And Lower Inflammation
- Arts engagement activates brain reward networks and triggers dopamine during tension-resolution moments.
- It also reduces stress signals, lowers heart rate, cortisol, and even systemic inflammation linked to low mood.
Dance Adds Psychological Gains To Exercise
- Dance can outperform standard aerobic exercise for combined physical and psychological outcomes.
- Dance improves adherence and adds emotional expression and creativity that boost mental health benefits.
