Join us at Manchester Museum for a panel discussion on Creative Health.

How we use arts and creativity to support people’s health and wellbeing – is a fast developing field of work across the UK and Japan.

During Japan Week 2025, our colleagues, Sawako INANIWA and Takashi KIRIYAMA, from the innovative Art&Wellbeing aa-TOMO programme, Japan will join us, to talk about their practice with colleagues in Greater Manchester, and to identify ways we can collaborate and learn from each other.

aa-TOMO is an innovative and ambitious 10-year creative health and cultural prescribing research programme led by the National Center for Arts Research, Japan and the Tokyo University of the Arts. It is currently rolling out cultural prescribing programmes across local government areas in Japan, in partnership with a range of organisations including museums, universities, health partners and private industry.

During this event, programme lead and chief curator at NCAR, Sawako Inaniwa, will share progress they are making in harnessing the power of the huge range of cultural assets in Japan to support people’s health and wellbeing.

The panel discussion will include perspectives from Julie McCarthy- Strategic Lead, Creative Health at Greater Health for NHS Greater Manchester, Dr Hannah Waterson, Research Associate working with the Creative Health Greater Manchester Place Partnership and Civic University Board, Ciaron Wilkinson- Head of Partnerships and Engagement at Manchester Museum and Charlotte Leonhardsen- Social Prescribing Lead at NHS Greater Manchester who will explore the commonalities in our work and opportunities to collaborate over the coming years.

This event is part of Japan Week (4-9 September 2025)

Accessibility

We want to make the event a positive experience for all participants. If you have particular access needs, please let us know in advance by providing details of any accessibility needs when registering for your ticket or by emailing us at creative@manchester.ac.uk.

About Creative Manchester

Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities. Please visit the website for more information: Creative Manchester.

Register here to receive regular updates on upcoming Creative Manchester news, events and funding opportunities. You can also connect with Creative Manchester via Bluesky, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.