Press release: Tuesday 3 November 2026
Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD launches the National Creative Arts and Health Strategy 2026–2036
The Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, alongside the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, today launched the National Creative Arts and Health Strategy 2026–2036 at the Lexicon library and cultural centre in Dún Laoghaire.
The strategy was developed by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Arts Council.
It aims to make creative arts and health more accessible, better coordinated across culture and healthcare, and more sustainable so that more people, in more communities and at every stage of life, can benefit from high-quality creative participation in the arts as part of living well.
The Action Plan for Creative Arts and Health 2026–2027, also published today, is the first in a series of two-year plans setting out the priority actions to implement the strategy.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“Taking part in creative activities can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing. It can help people feel more connected, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging. This strategy puts prevention, inclusion and community participation at its heart, with a particular focus on reaching people who may face barriers to taking part.
“By working together across health, arts and community services, we can create more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of creativity in their everyday lives.”
Prof Diarmuid O’Donovan, HSE Director of National Health Improvement, added:
“This strategy recognises the importance of creative arts to support health and wellbeing. It focuses on embedding creative arts within the HSE in a way that is sustainable, equitable and accessible, ensuring that the benefits of creative engagement can reach people across all communities and life-stages. We look forward to working with our partners and the communities we serve, to expand creative arts within the HSE.”
Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council of Ireland, said:
“The new National Creative Arts and Health Strategy 2026–2036 marks an important step forward in recognising the powerful contribution that arts and culture can make to our health and wellbeing. We are proud to work alongside colleagues across government to deliver this shared vision, ensuring that people across Ireland have meaningful opportunities to participate in creative activity throughout their lives.”