CREATIVE HEALTH DERBYSHIRE 2026

CREATIVE HEALTH DERBYSHIRE 2026

10 September, Cromford Mills

On 10 September, Arts Derbyshire was part of a key moment in time for creative health in the county.  The Creative Health Derbyshire event, held at Cromford Mills, bought together over 130 leaders and decision-makers from across health, local authorities, community organisations, and the cultural sector to share their experience and insight to help shape understanding and strategic direction for Creative Health across Derbyshire.

Arts Derbyshire’s Creative Director, Nicola Middler, gave a presentation on our Creatives in Place work, focussed on Creatives in Place: Bridging Clinical Care and Community Health. The presentation shared learning from the pilot and explored what happens when creativity is positioned not simply as a therapeutic intervention, but as a bridge between clinical care and community health – creating space for relationships, insight and creative approaches to influence how we understand and respond to health and wellbeing.

Our Creatives in Place, Beth Sheldon and Nick Davis, were also present to share their knowledge and insight first hand and to invite guests to experience elements of the work they have developed as part of the programme, including the innovative ‘Prescription for Happiness’.

Creatives in Place (CiP) is an Arts Derbyshire creative health model exploring how creative practitioners can bridge the gap between clinical care, prescribed interventions and community health. Building on, and distinct from, established clinical creative therapies and the expertise of art therapists, CiP explores what becomes possible when skilled creatives work in a different role – connecting healthcare environments with the communities and lives around them.

A Creative in Place is a skilled practitioner embedded within a GP practice and its surrounding community. They use creative, engagement and facilitation skills to build relationships, gather insight and connect people, services and communities. Working alongside clinicians, social prescribers and community partners, they act as a creative bridge, helping identify local needs and co-produce non-clinical responses that support wellbeing and address health inequalities.

With thanks to Derbyshire County Council’s Public Health Team, Culture Derby, CHWA, Dr Penny Blackwell, Derbyshire Voluntary Action and Air Arts for the collaborative approach to organising this event, and for including Arts Derbyshire within this.