Nurses in Gestures of Care, a creative movement programme that builds confidence in the non-verbal dimensions of care interactions, an example of how the new Centre for Creative Health applies creative practice in healthcare.
New interdisciplinary initiative positions Singapore as an active regional contributor to the emerging field of Creative Health
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), has established the Centre for Creative Health, a new interdisciplinary initiative focused on advancing research, practice and partnerships at the intersection of the arts, wellbeing and society.
As populations age and social and mental wellbeing challenges become increasingly complex, societies are rethinking how health and wellbeing are shaped — not only through medicine and healthcare systems, but also through meaningful human connection, social and community participation, and cultural engagement.
Positioned within Singapore’s uniquely interconnected arts, education and healthcare landscape, the Centre aims to strengthen research, collaboration and knowledge exchange in the growing field of Creative Health, while contributing to broader conversations around ageing, mental wellbeing, health literacy, social connectedness and inclusive communities.
The Centre will bring together artists, designers, educators, healthcare practitioners, researchers and community partners through interdisciplinary projects, public engagement initiatives and cross-sector collaborations. Areas of focus include arts in healthcare environments, population wellbeing, creative ageing, global health, inclusive arts practices, medical humanities and nature-connected design.
The Centre builds on a growing body of work already underway at NAFA and with external partners in the fields of arts, health and community wellbeing, including collaborations with healthcare institutions, universities, cultural organisations, and international research networks. These include Healing Arts Singapore, Asia’s first national arts and health initiative developed in partnership with the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Music and Health and the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
One example of the Centre's practice-based collaborations is its partnership with the Singapore Cancer Society (SCS), which complements SCS’s Return-to-Work programme through an applied theatre collaboration that explores cancer survivors’ experiences and work-related barriers as they re-enter the workforce. The insights are translated into monologues performed for HR professionals, encouraging greater understanding of how workplace policies and practices can better support survivors returning to work.
Mark Lin, Head, Psychosocial Services, Singapore Cancer Society, said:
“Recovery extends beyond medical treatment. For many survivors, returning to work also means navigating social misconceptions and rebuilding confidence as they return to work. Our collaboration with the Centre for Creative Health demonstrates the important role the arts can play in fostering empathy and meaningful conversations around inclusive workplaces for cancer survivors.”
Through the Centre, NAFA faculty members have also contributed to research and practice initiatives in areas including dementia-friendly neighbourhoods, community wellbeing, creative ageing and health promotion. Recent research contributions include work published in Nature Medicine examining the role of the arts in disease prevention and health promotion.
Assoc Prof Michael Tan, Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange at NAFA, said:
“Creative Health is an emerging interdisciplinary field with growing relevance internationally and across Asia. The NAFA Centre for Creative Health serves as an interdisciplinary hub advancing collaboration, talent development, critical inquiry, and knowledge equity in arts and health. Beyond strengthening Singapore’s creative health ecosystem, the Centre contributes to global developments in the field by foregrounding Asian perspectives and practices within international discourse. Through strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders across the arts, healthcare, education, and community sectors, the Centre seeks to advance culturally responsive and socially inclusive approaches to arts and health that inform regional and global practice, research, and policy.”
The Centre reflects NAFA’s broader belief that the arts will play an increasingly important role not only in creative practice and education, but also in shaping how societies think about wellbeing, ageing, care and public life in the years ahead.
The Centre for Creative Health is the first in a series of new centres and initiatives that NAFA will introduce in 2026. Building on nearly nine decades of impact and influence in arts education and practice, these initiatives will advance knowledge, strengthen artistic traditions, explore new possibilities for the arts and deepen NAFA’s contribution to the arts and cultural landscape as well as creative economy in Singapore and beyond. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, the Centre for Creative Health will help advance understanding of how the arts can contribute to wellbeing, care and healthy ageing in Singapore and the region.
Further details on the Centre’s future programmes and collaborations will be announced at a later date.