Next week is Newfoundland and Labrador’s second annual Well-Being Week, an ideal time to highlight the ongoing Year of the Arts initiatives and the positive impact the arts and cultural sector has on the well-being of our people and communities.

This morning at The Rooms, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation led a celebration of the connection between the arts and well-being, which featured Jamie Korab, Member of the House of Assembly for the district of Waterford Valley, remarks by Anne Chafe, CEO of The Rooms, and performances and remarks by singer-songwriter, Sherry Ryan, and performer Beni Malone.

Participating in arts activities and events provide space for reflection, mindfulness, socialization and sensory stimulation. Exploring an art gallery or museum or taking in a musical performance can help to lower stress levels and bring joy to the lives of participants. Similarly, practicing art in its many forms offers opportunities for self-expression, among other benefits.

The Provincial Government recognizes the strong correlation between engaging with arts and cultural activities and well-being. To date, through Year of the Arts funding in 2023 and 2024, government has committed $15 million in funding to celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s vibrant arts and cultural sector and the artists and arts organizations who comprise it.

During Well-Being Week 2024, residents are encouraged to take some time to visit provincial cultural facilities, such as The Rooms, Provincial Historic Sites, and Arts and Culture Centres.

Well-Being Week 2024 takes place from Sunday, September 22, to Saturday, September 28. For more information, visit www.wellbeingnl.ca.

Quotes
“Sometimes people think about well-being and reflect more on the physical components – eating well, participating in physical activity and getting enough sleep. Those things are certainly critical, but engaging with the arts and cultural sector is another way to bring health benefits. During Well-Being Week, I encourage people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to take some time to explore the many cultural activities across the province, whether that is by visiting an art exhibit, listening to music, or visiting one of the many cultural facilities in the province. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the positive experience.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Museums and galleries are essential to enhancing well-being and have become recognized as spaces of wellness in our communities. In an increasingly digital world, they provide authentic experiences that allow us to reconnect with the tangible world.”
Anne Chafe
The Rooms

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