We save lives with the power of the arts
Shaw Heritage Arts and Wellbeing Studios is a charity dedicated to saving lives by strengthening mental wellbeing and social connections through the arts.
Established in 2023, we support vulnerable communities through our evidence-based programmes that are grounded in research.
We connect artists, scientists and healthcare workers with corporate leaders and philanthropists to co-create ground-breaking arts and heritage programmes for mental wellbeing.
Theory of Change
Shaw Studios’ theory of change is based on the principle that engagement is the gateway to mental wellbeing. By using evidence-informed, culturally resonant arts interventions, we reduce stigma and create accessible entry points to preventative mental health support that traditional services miss.
Creative expression enables emotional processing, strengthens social connection, and builds coping skills, leading to improved resilience and wellbeing. When delivered early—particularly with caregivers and new mothers—this approach generates sustained, intergenerational impact while reducing long-term demand on mental health services.
Our evaluation framework aligns directly with our theory of change, measuring engagement, wellbeing, social connection, and resilience using validated tools such as Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), PHQ-9, and resilience scales. This enables us to demonstrate how arts-based interventions reduce barriers to engagement, strengthen emotional processing and social support, and deliver preventative mental wellbeing outcomes with long-term impact.
Contact us.
We’d love to hear from you! Whether it’s about our programmes, partnerships, or general enquiries, drop us a note below and we’ll be in touch.