Arts Health Research Intensive

A week-long residential course to develop knowledge, skills and contacts in arts and health research

Partnership with University of Florida

Next course: 13-17 May 2024, Britten Pears Arts, Snape Maltings, Suffolk, UK

The Arts Health Research Intensive training course provides a rich introduction to the evidence base around arts in health and fundamentals of evaluation and research. In this course, attendees will:

  • Explore the development and scope of the field
  • Learn about psychological, physiological, social and behavioural effects of arts engagement
  • Discover research and evaluation methodologies
  • Discuss practicalities and issues in carrying out research
  • Engage in group-based debates, activities and presentations

​This course is suitable for anyone with a background or interest in the arts, healthcare, community health or social care, and research, and who wishes to learn more about the field and meet others who share their interests. No research experience is necessary and all levels of experience are welcome.

To get a sense of the course schedule, see our provisional 2024 schedule.

​Apply to join us

Applications for our 2024 course are now closed.

Jameel Arts & Health Global Majority Scholarship

Applications for the Jameel Arts & Health Global Majority Scholarship are now closed. 

Accommodation

There are several options regarding where to stay for our Arts Health Research Intensive. Download our accommodation information document here to find out more. If you are interested in booking Elizabeth Court accommodation, please do not contact Britten Pears Arts directly. We are coordinating bookings for that accommodation only and will be in touch about how to book shortly.

Program Faculty

Dr Daisy Fancourt, UCL
Dr Katey Warran, UCL
Dr Jill Sonke, Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida
Dr Jenny Lee, Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida

Quotes from past attendees

“It was a very well structured and complete one week training. Meeting the trainers, being able to ask questions and clarify issues directly with such important women in the field was definitely a privilege. Meeting all the participants, getting to know some of them better, making important personal and professional connections, and feeling part of a world-wide community is totally awesome. So many brilliant engaged beautiful people!”

“This is one of the best trainings of my life.”

“The best part was the opportunity to discuss ideas with people who share a passion for arts in health from all over the world.”

“The best part was the exposure to the breadth of the evidence base of the effectiveness of the arts to manage and prevent health-related issues.”

Beyond the research intensive

Curious about what people have achieved since completing the course with the knowledge and skills acquired? Read the blog showcasing past participants’ stories.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the course fee?

Your course fee covers the cost of the course, your lunch and coffee/tea breaks, but you will need to budget for breakfasts and dinners. The course fee does not cover travel or accommodation.

What accommodation is available near Snape Maltings?

Information on accommodation options, including suggestions for hotels and B&Bs in the local area as well as details on on-site accommodation can be downloaded here. We also have some rooms reserved for you at Elizabeth Court in the local coastal town of Aldeburgh. More information about this will be available soon. Please do not contact Britten Pears Arts about Elizabeth Court accommodation directly.

Will there be COVID-19 restrictions and measures?

At present, we do not plan to have any specific restrictions or organised testing processes (e.g., rapid antigen/lateral flow tests) in place. However, we will do our best to provide hand gels and ensure good air flow, where possible, so as to provide a comfortable environment for all. We will keep you informed about any changing UK guidelines which may impact upon the Intensive.

Who is the course aimed at? Do I need prior experience to take part?

This course is aimed at anyone with a background or interest in the arts, healthcare, community health or social care, and research. The course is also an opportunity to meet others who share your interests and expand your network in this field. No research experience is necessary and all levels of experience are welcome.

What food will be served at the course?

We will be updating this page soon with confirmed menus. We will endeavour to cater for all declared dietary requirements and food intolerances.

Is public transport available around Snape Maltings?

As Snape Maltings is fairly remote, there are few buses available. There is a train station that delegates can get to via a Greater Anglia Service to Saxmundham Station leaving from London Liverpool Street. Once at Snape Maltings, we strongly recommend that you try to arrange car/ lift shares due to the lack of direct public transport to the venue and to Aldeburgh. There are also local taxi companies available for hire.

What venue access requirements can be catered for?

There are wheelchair spaces, adapted toilets and lifts available at Snape Maltings for wheelchair users or those with mobility scooters. Blue badge holders can also park in reserved areas on-site. For more information, visit Snape Maltings access page here.

If I can no longer attend, will I be able to get a refund?

Unfortunately, we are not able to refund delegates once payment has been made for a place.

If I don't get a scholarship can I still apply for a fully paid place?

Scholarship applications are closed, with the exception of the new Jameel Arts & Health Global Majority Scholarship. If you were not successful in attaining a scholarship place, you should have been directed toward our early bird (before 13th Nov) or full-price booking options. We will review Jameel Arts & Health Global Majority Scholarship applications after the deadline on 31st January 2024, 23.59 GMT. We will aim to get back you by the end of February to confirm the outcome of your application. If unsuccessful the option of full-price booking remains, subject to availability.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

There is a section in the application form on applying for a scholarship. You will need to provide a short summary of any information you feel is important for us to know relating to your need in the consideration of your scholarship application and explain how you are proposing to fund the rest of your course fees and travel/accommodation costs. Scholarships are judged jointly on need and merit. Applications for our scholarships have now closed, but applicants of the Global Majority can apply for the Jameel Arts & Health Global Majority Scholarship by 31st January 2024, 23.59 GMT. All information about applying is in the application form linked above and here.

Will the course be available online?

This is an exclusively in-person course. Participation online is not available.

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

Please contact the Social Biobehavioural Research Group if you have further questions about the course.