Daisy Fancourt, Research Fellow, Centre for Performance Science, Royal College of Music, UK

Dr Daisy Fancourt is a Wellcome Research Fellow in the Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London. Her research focuses on the effects of arts participation on neuroendocrine and immune response, the use of the arts within clinical settings and the psychosocial impact of cultural engagement at an individual and public health level.

During an Inquiry into the benefits of the arts to health and wellbeing conducted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing, a need for higher quality evaluation was identified. This useful guide will aid researchers working in the field of arts and health to design their studies and for the results of these studies to influence future practice. - Rt Hon Lord Howarth of Newport Co-Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing

An extraordinary book, characterized by meticulous scholarship, broad historical and theoretical scope, practical advice, logical organization, eloquent style, and fresh originality. Arts in Health will serve as an inspirational foundation for future research. - Annabel J. Cohen Professor of Psychology, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dalhousie University

Dr Daisy Fancourt has written a tour de force, which is easily accessible for the novice evaluator as well as an essential resource for students and more experienced researchers. It is a book healthcare planners, commissioners, practitioners and researchers will find enormously valuable. - Paul M, Camic Professor of Psychology and Public Health, Canterbury Christ Church University Co-editor of the Oxford Textbook of Creative Arts, Health and Wellbeing

An impressive work of scholarship charting the development of the field of arts and health internationally, and offering a comprehensive guide to planning and conducting robust research. This text undoubtedly demonstrates the value of the creative arts in health care and health promotion and is essential reading for health professionals, clinicial commissioners and service managers. It is sure to become a key point of reference for experienced researchers and graduate students interested in arts and health the world over. - Stephen Clift Professor of Health Education, Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, Canterbury Christ Church University Chair

Daisy Fancourt provides a historically and scientifically grounded, long-awaited-for, thoroughly-rational approach to Arts and Health. She has masterminded a much needed framework. - Gunter Kreutz Professor of Systematic Musicology, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg

Daisy Fancourt is to be congratulated for presenting this timely overview of history, theory and policy relevant to the growing field of arts and health. This will no doubt become an invaluable source for all those involving themselves in this burgeoning area of activity. - Dr. Rebecca Gordon-Nesbitt Researcher to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing, King's College London