Art and health

The Arts and Health Research Area is a very new development in the Centre for Health Research and involves collaboration between academic staff in the Arts, Health Care and Engineering disciplines. The most advanced project is the Significant Walks project (see below) which is funded by the Welcome Trust.

The Arts and Health Area however has led to a PhD study. One PhD study by Peter Marsh focuses on Rheumatoid Arthritis and hand function and is co-supervised by Professor Ann Moore and Dr Kambiz Saber-Sheikh, as well as Professor Charlie Hooker from Arts and Humanities and Dr Shirley Chubb an artist from Chichester University.

These studies are firmly based on increasing the visibility, interpretation and understanding of medical conditions, e.g. the Significant Walks project focuses on Low Back Pain and Peter Marsh’s focuses on Rheumatoid Arthritis and hand function. The imagery used in these studies varies from visual representations to model making. There projects are in their early stages and therefore as yet dissemination has not occurred but is being planned.

Research projects

Significant walks project

Creative Spaces for research and learning

In support of the work of the research group Wellbeing Health and Inequalities, the centre has several areas dedicated to the study of the links between activity and health. Next to the CHR at the Eastbourne campus we have horticulture gardens with greenhouse, and ceramic studios with kiln, well-stocked craft rooms, a large kitchen, and a domestic activities suite. There is also a large gymnasium, and outdoor games area.

These spaces support the school’s teaching, and promote students’ research into activity and health, within their research modules.

Research team

“Significant walks” project

Professor Ann Moore, School of Health Sciences, Physiotherapist

Dr Kambiz-Saber-Sheikh, School of Health Sciences, Engineer

Dr Shirley Chubb, Chichester University, Artist

Neal Bryant, Chichester University, Media Specialist.

Peter Marsh’s study into hand function in RA sufferers

Peter Marsh, registered for an MPhil, School of Health Sciences

Professor Ann Moore, School of Health Sciences, Physiotherapist

Dr Kambiz-Saber-Sheikh, School of Health Sciences, Engineer

Dr Shirley Chubb, Chichester University, Artist

Professor Charlie Hooker, Arts and Humanities.

Output

Sources/links

Collaborations

Funding

The “Significant walks” project is being funded by the Wellcome Trust (£30,000)

Awards, recognition, impact

“Significant walks” project we are planning that the exhibits/installations that will emerge from this project will inform the public and healthcare professionals of the hidden experience of patients who suffer from low back pain and also those who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis.