The life-changing power of the arts is revealed by Daisy Fancourt in Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health. Informed by the results of decades of scientific studies, her  book demostrates how songs support the development of children’s minds, creative hobbies help our brains to stay resilient against dementia, and visual art and music help reduce depression, stress and pain.

Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at University College London, and an award-winning communicator, Daisy explains why the arts are the forgotten fifth pillar of health, alongside diet, sleep, exercise and nature.

In her view, art helps us not only to survive, but to thrive and flourish.

“Every day we are overwhelmed by advice on how to live better. Art Cure is an amazing antidote to the deluge of nonsense . . . Everyone should read this book.”

Xand Van Tulleken, Doctor and TV presenter