ACHWS STRATEGY 2025 -2030

The need for a network specifically for those across arts and culture in the health and wellbeing space was identified in 2016 by organisations and individuals delivering arts and health programmes in Scotland. The All Party Parliamentary report Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing was published in 2017 with a further review in 2023 which underpinned the need to develop a focused voice for arts in health work in Scotland. An initial working group was developed into a charity structure with a board of trustees. Arts Culture Health and Wellbeing Scotland (ACHWS) was officially recognised as a charity by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator on 17th March 2021.  We aspire to be the focal point and mouthpiece for all those working across the arts, cultural, and health sectors.

ACHWS is an inclusive, active member-led network that is open for anyone to join, including artists, organisations, healthcare providers, practitioners, and researchers.  We support those working at the intersection of the arts, culture, health, and wellbeing, taking a broad understanding of these concepts and their interrelationships. We advocate for best arts and health practice, value and working conditions.

Our wide reach is driven by the range and diversity represented across the arts, culture, and health sectors as we give a voice to individuals, communities and practitioners from all areas of society promoting equality of opportunities to create, participate, influence and engage.

Our innovative approach is based on an understanding that we represent and respond to participants lived experience and individual needs related to their personal health and wellbeing. Also, that of their communities alongside our members’ practice, experience and support requirements, our sectors’ body of research and evidence and our stakeholders wider aims, objectives and plans.

Purpose

To advance health and wellbeing in Scotland through the promotion and practice of arts and cultural work across a range of health, social, cultural, care, and community contexts.

Vision

Culture is recognised as transformative to health and wellbeing and accessible to everyone in Scotland

Our Mission

A national network linking together, advocating for and supporting those working at the interface of arts, culture, health and wellbeing in Scotland.

Our Values

We are a values base organisation –

• Courage – to champion and lobby for change even if it is not easy
• Learning – from experience and acting on feedback
• Sharing – our learning and being generous
• Equity – to ensure our work and governance is always equally accessible

Guiding themes (strategic aims)

1. To build an active and engaged network, representing the voice of the arts and health sector
2. To grow our organisation to be resilient and meet the wider needs of the network
3. To empower our membership and wider network to raise awareness and share information, best practice and insights.
4. To lead the debate that will effect policy change in culture and health strategies and frameworks within Scotland.
5. To support creatives practitioners and health and care professionals in the arts, culture, and health sectors to identify needs, professional development and mentorship.

Our Values

We are a values base organisation –

• Courage – to champion and lobby for change even if it is not easy
• Learning – from experience and acting on feedback
• Sharing – our learning and being generous
• Equity – to ensure our work and governance is always equally accessible

Guiding themes (strategic aims)

1. To build an active and engaged network, representing the voice of the arts and health sector
2. To grow our organisation to be resilient and meet the wider needs of the network
3. To empower our membership and wider network to raise awareness and share information, best practice and insights.
4. To lead the debate that will effect policy change in culture and health strategies and frameworks within Scotland.
5. To support creatives practitioners and health and care professionals in the arts, culture, and health sectors to identify needs, professional development and mentorship. 

Operational objectives (what we will achieve)

We will develop our operational plans to deliver these themes (aims) through the following delivery objectives.

Advocacy and Awareness

Strategically represent the culture and health sector in planning and policy development through evidence-based advocacy, informed by lived experience and professional practice. Elevate the profile of the field among artists, health practitioners, policymakers, funders, and the wider public.

Partnerships and Sector Development

Forge strategic partnerships with both new and established stakeholders to strengthen capacity and enable co-produced, collaborative initiatives. Drive dialogue and systemic change by integrating research, policy, and practice.

Knowledge Sharing and Professional Development

Empower members and networks to exchange information, best practices, insights, and evidence that inspire innovation across the sector. Respond to identified needs by supporting practitioners’ professional growth, mental health, and wellbeing within the culture and health landscape.

Sustainability and Equity

Champion Scotland’s transition to Net Zero through sustainable practices, mitigation, and adaptation. Advocate for reducing health and cultural inequalities and address disparities within the creative health workforce