University of Dundee : External Relations : Press Office

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24 September 2012

'Feeling Good? - Health, Wellbeing and the Arts' - Culture Day 2012

The sometimes surprising connections between the arts and health and wellbeing will be explored at the University of Dundee's eighth annual Culture Day next week.

The worlds of dentistry, botany, philosophy and Carry On films will collide at the Baxter Conference Room 1.36 on Wednesday, 3rd October, when students, staff and members of the public will be treated to a rich and varied programme entitled, 'Feeling Good? - Health, Wellbeing and the Arts'.

Organised by the University's Culture and Arts Forum, the Culture Day is now firmly established in the University's calendar and has proved popular with a wide audience. The Day features short 15 minute presentations from members of the Forum and is intended to showcase a range of subjects relating to the theme.

Event co-ordinator Matthew Jarron said that a wide range of topics were thrown up when academics were asked to consider how health and wellbeing related to their work.

"From a philosophical exploration of equality and wellbeing to the representation of health services in films like Doctor in the House and Carry On Nurse, we certainly have some interesting sessions planned," he said.

"The links between the topic and the arts are sometimes surprising, and we are delighted that a whole host of University academics will be sharing how notions of health and wellbeing relate to their discipline.

"We'll be looking at how they are represented in - and relevant to - art, science, design, philosophy, literature, history, gender studies and much more. Our speakers will be approaching the subject from a range of perspectives and delivering interesting and thought-provoking talks. It is a great opportunity for members of the public to engage with these topics and with the diverse range of interests involved."

Visitors will be welcomed at 1.45pm, and the first talk will see Matthew deliver a talk entitled, 'Art with a Smile: Dentist art collectors in Dundee'. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dundee was one of Britain's major art centres, with many enthusiastic patrons building up large private collections. Unusually, several of these were involved in dentistry, and this talk will reveal something of their exceptional activities.