In 1986, the Ottawa Charter launched the first modern criteria of what makes individuals and communities healthy. The Charter called these criteria the Social Determinants of Health.

Only recently have the arts been specifically included in social determinants research. Although countries like Norway, Australia, Cuba and the United Kingdom began to identify and articulate the well-being benefits the arts deliver, it wasn’t until 2020 that the World Health Organization (WHO) started validating this research.

The language around Social Determinants for Health (SDH) is forever adapting to local and emerging contexts, though the principles remain the same: economic stability, quality education, health and healthcare, neighbourhoods and the built environment, and community connection. 

For our purposes, Alberta Ballet is adopting an SDH framework focused on the following four areas:

1. Improving Childhood Development

2. Increasing Accessibility for Everyone

3. Community Building through the Arts

4. Improving Employment Conditions and Opportunities