Consuming arts and culture is good for health and wellbeing, research finds

Participation in music was particularly linked to reductions in depression and pain and improved quality of life, researchers said. Photograph: Hill Street Studios/Getty Images/Blend Images

Most people are familiar with the buzz that attending a memorable play, film, concert or art exhibition can trigger.

But now it is official: consuming culture is good for your health and wellbeing – and generates £8bn a year worth of improvements in people’s quality of life and higher productivity.