💛 Person-centred engagement
Activities can be adapted around interests, abilities, communication preferences, culture, beliefs and life experiences.
Creative Wellbeing Hub
Why do the arts matter?
Creative participation is being studied across health, ageing, dementia, disability and community wellbeing. Here are a few evidence-based starting points — without pretending that every creative activity has the same effect for every person.
3,000+
Studies reviewed
WHO's 2019 scoping review examined more than 3,000 studies on arts and health and found evidence of a role for the arts across health promotion, prevention and management of conditions.
Source: World Health Organization
7,874
Participants
A systematic review of arts engagement in healthy older people included 10 studies with 7,874 participants and reported associations with wellbeing and quality-of-life outcomes.
Source: PubMed
21
Music participation studies
A meta-analysis included 21 studies and 1,472 participants exploring music participation for mild cognitive impairment and dementia, finding a small positive effect on cognitive functioning.
Source: PubMed
The CreaTink approach
Evidence-informed creative wellbeing, designed around people.
CreaTink uses evidence-informed ideas and person-centred practice to shape activities around the people taking part, rather than assuming one activity will suit everyone.
🤝 Social connection & belonging
Shared creative experiences can provide opportunities for conversation, participation, relationships and a sense of belonging.
🧠 Cognitive engagement
Creative activities may involve attention, memory, sequencing, decision-making, problem-solving and learning.
🌿 Sensory experiences
Textures, colours, sounds, movement and hands-on materials can be incorporated according to individual preferences and needs.
💭 Reminiscence & meaningful conversation
Music, objects, images, themes and creative prompts can open pathways to memories, stories and personal reflection.
✨ Autonomy, expression & achievement
Participants can make choices, express themselves, learn skills and experience the satisfaction of creating something themselves.
Aged care alignment
Designed with person-centred aged care in mind.
The strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards emphasise person-centred care, individual needs and preferences, choice, independence, quality of life, social connection and meaningful activities.
CreaTink activities are designed to support these principles through personalised, inclusive creative experiences.
Explore the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards →What that can look like
Choosing a favourite song. Adapting a craft to someone's abilities. Using familiar objects to spark memories. Offering different materials and choices. Creating opportunities to work together. Celebrating what someone can do.
“Start with the person. Then choose the activity.”
NDIS & disability
Person-centred, flexible and individualised.
CreaTink programs can be adapted around participant interests, abilities, communication preferences, sensory considerations, choice and the purpose of the support.
The NDIS Practice Standards include person-centred supports that respect rights, informed choice, control, self-determination and decision-making.
Read the NDIS Practice Standards →Important funding note
CreaTink is currently an unregistered NDIS provider. Whether a participant can use NDIS funding for a CreaTink service depends on their plan, how their funding is managed and the relevant NDIS rules. We do not describe creative wellbeing sessions as NDIS-funded therapy unless the relevant requirements are met.
Participants and organisations should confirm funding eligibility with their Plan Manager, Support Coordinator or the NDIS before booking where needed.
The CreaTink wellbeing lens
Think about creativity through four lenses.
🧠 Creativity & cognition
Creative activities can involve attention, choices, memory, sequencing, problem-solving and sensory exploration. Research findings vary by activity, population and study design.
😊 Creativity & wellbeing
Enjoyment, self-expression, achievement and having something meaningful to look forward to can all be part of a person's wellbeing experience.
🤝 Creativity & connection
Group creative experiences can create opportunities for conversation, collaboration, shared attention and belonging.
🎵 Music & reminiscence
Music can connect with memories, identity and emotion. Music-based activities can be adapted for different groups, interests and abilities.
🌿 Creativity & ageing
Creative participation can provide opportunities for agency, social engagement, learning and enjoyment across later life.
🔎 Evidence & limitations
Creative wellbeing is not a promise of a particular clinical outcome. CreaTink uses evidence-informed ideas while adapting activities to the actual people and setting.
Research in context
Good creative programs start with good questions.
Who is taking part? What do they enjoy? What can they comfortably do? What would make the session meaningful? What does the organisation want to achieve?
Important distinction
CreaTink Arts provides creative wellbeing programs and experiences. Some activities draw on creative arts and arts-therapy-informed approaches, but sessions are designed according to the needs and purpose of each program.
This website's evidence summaries are educational and do not replace clinical advice or individual assessment.