Art collector and gallerist Eva Livijn-Olin with our founder Björn Wetterling at an Opening Reception, 2020
According to a new study from University College London, there is a link between participating in arts-related activities, such as visiting galleries and museums, and living longer. 31% lower was the risk of dying earlier for those who at least every few months engaged in art than those who did not. But fear not if you are not a ferquent visitor, just going once or twice a year still had a 14% lower risk. Daisy Fancourt, associate professor at UCL’s Research Department of Behavioral Science and Health and an author of the study, told CNN Style:
"We also thought that a greater sense of purpose could play a role. If this [study] is added to the larger body of evidence, we are getting an increasingly rich picture on how arts can benefit health and it’s not about one single outcome. It can have wide ranging benefits and support healthier lives lived longer. "
If living longer isn't a reason enought to start planning the upcoming weekend's activity, we don't know what is!