SUMMARY FOR ARTICLE

The health and well-being potential of museums and art galleries. The health and well-being potential of museums and art galleries Participation in creative cultural activities has received increasing attention by researchers and policy makers and is considered by some as an important new focus for public heath programmes and research. In recent years many museums including art galleries have broadened their services to include those directed towards improving health and well-being. The museums sector has responded to the global trend of increased awareness of health and well-being challenges by creating programmes for older adults people with dementia and mental health service users to name but a few. Specific population groups and issues that museums have sought to address include children on the autism spectrum learning disabilities cancer patients and severe mental health problems.