Spending time in nature is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. 

Studies have shown that being in nature can lower our stress, improve our overall mood and reduce the risk of chronic disease. We have also seen that regularly engaging with art improves our overall wellbeing, reduces loneliness and improve your satisfaction with your life.  

Did you know your primary care provider can prescribe more than medication?

Social prescribing connects patients to more holistic support. By addressing the social determinants of health and connecting patients to services in their community will improve health and wellbeing. Looking at the whole picture of the patients life and finding connections within their community.

The BC Parks Foundation’s PaRx program has partnered with the Vancouver Art Gallery’s Art of Wellbeing lab with a new social prescribing initiative. Healthcare professionals can now prescribe a visit to the exhibition Emily Carr: Navigating an Impenetrable Landscape for their patient and a guest.

Dr. Melissa Carr PaRX director  “Museums and galleries have a wealth of potential to become healing places where people can simultaneously experience the health benefits of nature and art through social prescribing.  Combining social connection, creativity and natural landscapes in one space is a uniquely powerful way to improve people's mental and physical health.”

Each prescribed visitor and their preferred guest will receive free admission to the Gallery along with a wellness kit and special printed guide for Emily Carr: Navigating an Impenetrable Landscape. The goal is to fostering social connection and reducing financial barriers. Not everyone has the capacity to access nature in the city. Not everyone thinks about art’s capacity to heal. This initiative ensures individuals who will benefit from artistic experiences have access to such experiences.

Ask your Naturopathic Doctor about the Art of Wellbeing program, and you and a friend can experience nature in the city at the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Learn more by visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery website.