GRACE-Epi: Global Research on Arts, Cultural Engagement through advancing EPIdemiological methods

Arts and cultural engagement (“ACEng”) is increasingly recognised as having tangible effects on health. The advent of epidemiological research on ACEng has advanced our understanding of the long-term health benefits of day-to-day engagement. However, we now face major roadblocks relating to the breadth, depth and fundamental assumptions of epidemiological research on ACEng. Through this discovery award, a consortium of Global North-South researchers will unite expertise from arts, humanities, social science, epidemiology, data science and molecular biology to radically advance epidemiological research on ACEng. In WS1, we will interrogate the fundamental assumptions underpinning the field and develop new testable conceptual frameworks. In WS2, we will extend existing epidemiological work to >50 countries, including global ethnic majorities, global south populations, and low- and middle-income countries, focusing on older adults and healthy ageing. In WS3, we will undertake the first ever molecular epidemiological studies on the biological signature of ACEng and its influence on biological ageing. Finally, in WS4, we will propose new epidemiological ‘first principles’ for ACEng as a health behaviour and work with global partners to develop research capacity and international policy. Through multidisciplinary, rigorous and creative science, GRACE-Epi will transform the breadth, depth and foundations of epidemiological research on ACEng.