A comprehensive UK report assessing the contribution of arts and humanities research during the COVID‐19 pandemic has revealed a deep impact on social inclusion and national wellbeing.
The Pandemic and Beyond report …. worked with 77 research teams across the UK during the peak of the COVID‐19 crisis. The research projects covered four broad areas:
- Communication, Information and Experience
- Arts, Health and Wellbeing
- The Creative Industries and Heritage Sectors
- Ethics, Law and Governance….
All of the case studies and the other 70 projects demonstrate the value of arts and humanities in addressing national and community challenges during a crisis with lessons for future leaders ranging from communication to procurement to support for the creative industries….
Professor Pascale Aebischer, Pandemic and Beyond lead and a Professor in the Department of English and Creative Writing at the University of Exeter, said:
“It is clear from the Pandemic and Beyond research projects that arts and humanities had a significant and positive role to play during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and should be considered central to any government response to future crises alongside medical and economic policies. In fact, arts and humanities professionals can help improve the medical and economic response by informing and shaping the real world impact of policy decisions on people and communities.
“The Pandemic and Beyond research projects provide a rich tapestry of learning and evidence that national and local authorities must take heed of if we are to improve resilience and recovery in future crises. In many cases, creative and cultural projects provided a vital lifeline to vulnerable people and minority communities who would have otherwise suffered far worse outcomes medically, economically and mentally.”
For the project “Coronavirus Tales,” see here.
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