Art Club: how creativity keeps us well

Many of us, instinctively, turn to the arts to feel good. Growing evidence supports this instinct: making and experiencing art may be one of the most powerful ways to boost health and happiness. Unpack the science of how creativity supports wellbeing in this inspiring talk and collaging workshop.

Join Professor Daisy Fancourt, one of the world’s leading researchers in arts and health, as she shares compelling evidence and real-world examples that show how engaging with the arts can influence the brain, reduce stress and pain, improve mental health, and help tackle loneliness.

Following the discussion, take part in a hands-on workshop where you'll create your own colourful collage self-portrait, drawing inspiration from Beth Suzanna's figurative paper-cut work and Professor Daisy Fancourt's research. Explore playful techniques and dynamic shapes and experience first-hand some of the ideas discussed, as you reflect on your own relationship with creativity and connect with others.

Speakers

Professor Daisy Fancourt

Daisy Fancourt is Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London where she heads the Social Biobehavioural Research Group, and Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health. She has published 300 scientific papers, won over two dozen academic prizes and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world. Daisy is also a multi-award-winning science communicator and has been named a World Economic Forum Global Shaper and BBC New Generation Thinker. She has also recently been appointed as the Royal Albert Hall’s first ever Associate Scientist. Her Sunday Times bestselling book, Art Cure: The Science of How The Arts Transform Our Health was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction 2026.

Ritula Shah (chair)

Ritula Shah is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster. She is the presenter of Calm Classics every weekday evening on ClassicFM. For the past 15 years, she was the main presenter of the World Tonight, Radio 4’s evening news programme, which has a focus on international affairs and domestic politics. Ritula is a judge for the British Academy Book Prize, a Fellow of the London Centre for the Humanities, and she is on the advisory board of the defence and security think tank RUSI, a trustee of the visual arts organisation INIVA, and an ambassador for the British Asian Trust.

Beth Suzanna (workshop host)

Beth Suzanna is a London-based illustrator whose uplifting work is rooted in colour and connection. Creating artworks with a strong focus on community and diversity, she uses bold figurative paper-cut shapes to create tactile, playful and human work.

Beth champions all things analogue and believes everyone should carve out time for creativity. Having facilitated her workshops for a wide variety of spaces such as The Southbank Centre, The Roundhouse and the V&A, as well as brands such as Hermès, G.F Smith and Casetify. Her workshops have been praised highly, leading her to be the 2023 she was the Hay Literary Festival illustrator in Residence.

About Art Club

Art Club is the British Academy’s regular creative series where you can learn about innovative research through making. Hear from leading researchers in the humanities and social sciences, then explore the ideas in an interactive workshop that puts research into practice.

Art Club workshops are relaxed. Following a brief introduction from the facilitator, you’re free to move around the space, take a break or step outside whenever you like. Drinks and snacks are available at the bar throughout the evening.

Whether attending on your own or with friends, Art Club is a welcoming space to discover bold ideas, get creative, and meet new people.

Schedule

Doors and bar open: 18:00

Daisy Fancourt in conversation with Ritula Shah: 18:15-19:15

Collaging workshop with Beth Suzanna: 19:30-21:00

Further information

Free event, donations welcome, booking required.

This event takes place in person only.

As tickets are free, we release more than the available seats to account for no-shows.

• Entry is first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment.
• A ticket does not guarantee entry to the main event space. If it reaches capacity, you'll be directed to the bar next door to watch a live stream.

This event will have live subtitles delivered by 121 Captions.

See information about the accessibility of the venue.

If you have any questions about this event, please refer to our Public Events FAQs. If your question is not answered, please email [email protected]

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Image credit: Beth Suzanna