Evidence in a different form: The search conference process

Arts and health practitioners, policy-makers and researchers were invited to a two-day search conference to talk about the nature of arts-based evidence, and ways of researching the impact of arts on health. Using a participatory enquiry process, participants shared stories of specific projects, discussed the aims, forms and politics of arts-based evidence, developed creative responses and practical strategies, and noted areas for further conversation and action. Two dominant themes emerged. First, the arts are particularly powerful in health generation; second, the most important evidence is that which shows how the arts can be a catalyst for change.