Science-informed art as a public health strategy: evaluation of an exhibition on high-concentration cannabis

Science-informed art exhibitions may enhance public understanding of complex health topics by combining artistic expression with evidence-based education. We examined the impact of an art exhibition on knowledge of health risks associated with high-concentration cannabis (HCC), explored which types of artwork had the greatest impact on viewer knowledge, explored motivation for involvement with the exhibition, and assessed media garnered by the exhibition.

Eleven artists participated in a 3-day educational workshop on HCC before creating artwork for the exhibition. Data sources included the artists (n = 9), exhibition patrons (n = 78), and independent art evaluators (n = 8) using closed and open-ended questions. Analyses assessed changes in knowledge, motivation for participating, and perceptions of educational value and creativity.

Artists and patrons demonstrated a significant increase in HCC knowledge over the course of the exhibition. There was agreement on which artworks were the most educational about HCC, but less agreement about which were most creative, suggesting these two qualities do not always align. Although artists were motivated to participate because of their work with youth and concerns about HCC, most patrons were motivated to attend because of their personal connections to the gallery, artists, or support of community events. Earned media for the exhibition was laudable.

A science-informed art exhibition can effectively convey complex public health information, foster dialogue about health topics, and cultivate new and surprising advocates for health education. Integrating artistic creativity with evidence-based content may be a promising strategy for promoting public health information.