EU OMC report: Strategic Insights on Culture and Health

The European Union (EU) Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026 recognises culture as “an infinite source of inspiration and innovation a fundamental part of our identities and communities.” Building on this foundation, the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) Group on Culture and Health began its work in February 2024 to examine how the EU should respond to growing international evidence linking cultural participation with improved health outcomes.

The newly released OMC report confirms that engagement in cultural and creative activities, including music, dance, visual arts, heritage, and storytelling, is a positive health behaviour across the life course. These practices contribute to health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, mental well-being, and social inclusion. To strengthen this emerging intersectoral field, the report outlines strategic recommendations for fostering collaboration between the cultural and health sectors and supporting more systemic cultural participation for well-being at the EU level.

These insights strongly resonate with the goals of AWAKE: Arts & Wellbeing as a Creative Business and Future Livelihood, NDPC’s project exploring how artistic practice and wellbeing can generate new professional pathways and sustainable models. While the OMC report offers policy-level guidance, AWAKE translates similar ideas into practical tools through training, masterclasses, entrepreneurial support, and real-life case studies.

Together, the OMC findings and the work of AWAKE highlight a shared direction: culture is increasingly recognised not only as a source of creativity but also as a driver of well-being, innovation, and future livelihoods across Europe.

Read the Open Method for Coordination Group for Culture and Health (OMC) report here.