A Danish perspective of culture and health – towards an interdisciplinary approach

This article considers how arts and cultural activities can arguably play a significant role in addressing public health issues. While culture and health projects gather momentum in the rest of Scandinavia, it appears that Denmark is lacking behind. This article looks at why this might be, reflecting on the structure of the health care system and policy-making in the health sector in Denmark. In the process, the article identifies the sociopolitical situation and recommends a way forward requiring an interdisciplinary approach, recognizing that while some initiatives are happening the lack of a cross-sector approach makes it difficult to develop a strategic field for arts and health in Denmark. This article makes recommendations for a national and a Scandinavian network, to inform decision-making processes for an interdisciplinary political approach, and to uncover untapped potential in arts and health projects.