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• 14 new Victorian arts and technology projects to improve health 
• Launch of VicHealth building health through arts and new media program

VicHealth has invested $375,000 in a range of cutting edge arts projects to inspire disadvantaged, socially isolated and culturally diverse Victorians to get creative, make friends and develop new skills using technology.

Fourteen projects will use new media to encourage people to get involved in arts, to improve health and wellbeing through social interaction and creativity. The projects begin this month and end December 2011.

VicHealth’s Technology, Arts and Social Connection (TASC) Scheme grants were announced alongside the organisation’s first Building Health Through Arts and New Media program on Thursday 5 August by Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts, Rob Hudson MP (representing Arts Minister Peter Batchelor).

New research published in the Public Library of Science Medicine shows having a poor social network can be as dangerous to health as smoking cigarettes or risky drinking and may even pose a greater health risk than being obese or avoiding exercise.

Arts participation improves mental health by decreasing stress, anxiety and depression and reduces social isolation by bringing people together. It also improves self-esteem, supports skill development and is proven to improve educational achievement of young people.

VicHealth CEO Todd Harper said with 22 million phone users in Australia, and 8.4 million internet connections, there is great untapped potential to use new media to promote health.

“VicHealth has acknowledged the importance arts has for health since it began in 1987, but this is the first time we have developed a program that focuses specifically on arts and technology to improve social connection and general wellbeing,” Mr Harper said.

“Half of all internet users use social networking sites, many via mobile phones. With technology evolving at breakneck speed, we recognise that new media is a crucial space for promoting good health. There tends to be a focus on new media as a negative or scary space, but it can also make a positive contribution to people’s lives.

“The people who take part in these projects will make new friends and enjoy the challenge to express themselves with cutting edge digital technology. They’ll also take home new skills and greater confidence.”

Arts Minister Peter Batchelor added: “The arts bring more than just beauty or entertainment into our lives, engagement with the arts can have a powerful and meaningful impact on health and wellbeing. Congratulations to all those involved in these projects and to VicHealth for their unwavering commitment to providing broader social and health benefits for all Victorians.”