AWAKE: Arts & Wellbeing As a Creative Business and Future Livelihood
“AWAKE: Arts & Wellbeing as a Creative Business and Future Livelihood” project aims to explore the intersection of arts and wellbeing from the perspective of creative business and future livelihood.
By spotlighting emerging collaborative practices between arts and wellbeing, the project will:
– provide valuable educational material (a case book of business models);
– provide training opportunities (workshops and a bootcamp);
– facilitate a purposeful and diverse round table discussion.
Our goal is to create avenues for entrepreneurial ventures and business prospects within this dynamic field. The work on the implementation will span over two years from November 2023 until October, 2025.
Stay tuned as we embark on this transformative journey, promoting future solutions for holistic wellbeing and economic sustainability for both – the cultural and health sectors!
Co-funded by the European Union, “AWAKE: Arts & Wellbeing As a Creative Business and Future Livelihood” project will be implemented by the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture (, in close partnership with The Lapinlahti hospital – Centre for Culture, Arts and Mental Well-being (Lapinlahden Lähde) from Finland, Cluj Cultural Centre (Centrul Cultural Clujean) from Romania and The Culture & Health Center (Pôle Culture et Santé Nouvelle Aquitaine) from France. We are glad to share the journey also with associated partners: Creative Industries Incubator by Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA Radošo industriju inkubātors) from Latvia, The Tallinn Business Incubators Foundation (Tallinna Loomeinkubaator) from Estonia, Arts & Health Coordination Centre of the Arts Academy at Turku University of Applied Sciences Taikusydän (Turun Ammattikorkeakoulu) from Finland, National Centre of Expertise for Cultural Education and Amateur Arts (Stichting Kennisinstituut Cultuureducatie en Amateurkunst) from Netherlands and Pauls Stradiņš Medical History Museum (Paula Stradiņa Medicīnas vēstures muzejs) from Latvia.
More info: Dace Resele (dace.resele@ndpculture.org)
Project updates
– Roundtable recording now available
The eagerly awaited AWAKE project’s roundtable, titled ‘Arts & Wellbeing: Livelihoods and entrepreneurial opportunities for artists and cultural workers’, has successfully taken place on April 11th. We are thrilled to announce that the recording of this insightful event is now available for viewing. Link here
– Open resources: free masterclasses on creative businesses in the arts & well-being sector
In the context of the project, the NDPC has hosted five masterclasses targeted at a variety of topics for businesses in the arts & wellbeing sector. We are now excited to announce that the resources are available for viewing! The target audience for this program includes artists, creative professionals, and small and micro businesses. These masterclasses are fit for all artists & entrepreneurs in this space who are looking to expand their knowledge, build sustainable practices, or strengthen their fundraising and branding strategies. Link here
– AWAKE Casebook launch: Recording now available | March 25, 2025
How to turn new arts and wellbeing projects into THRIVING, sustainable ventures? Learn from five entrepreneurial cases! In the context of the project “AWAKE: Arts & Wellbeing as a Creative Business and Future Livelihood,” we are thrilled to introduce the publication ‘Growing a Viable Entrepreneurial Model at the Intersection of the Arts and Wellbeing: Insights from Five Cases.” Link here
– March 2025 | Launching the AWAKE Casebook on Entrepreneurship in Arts and Wellbeing!
In the context of the project “AWAKE: Arts & Wellbeing as a Creative Business and Future Livelihood”, we are happy to introduce the publication: ‘Growing a Viable Entrepreneurial Model at the Intersection of the Arts and Wellbeing: Insights from Five Cases.’ This casebook presents five entrepreneurial initiatives led by professional artists, each supporting different groups—including infants, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses —through diverse artistic approaches. By examining how these ventures were developed, how they evolve, and their impact, the casebook provides insights into their unique journeys and future directions. Link here
– Deadline: May 14th, 2025 | Register Now – Cross-Sectoral Hackathon on Culture & Wellbeing!
Do you have a business idea at the intersection of arts, culture, health, and wellbeing? Or just curious to dive into this exciting, emerging field? Join our international innovation sprint bringing together 50+ creative minds from across Europe to spark new ideas and build real-world solutions! Co-create innovative concepts that connect culture and wellbeing; get support through a guided process and expert mentorship; meet collaborators across sectors and compete for exciting prizes! When: May 26-28, 2025 (starting after 4 PM CET). Link here
