CultureAndHealth Platform

26 / 11 / 2024
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The NDPC as a partner / Ongoing projects

 

Launch of the CultureAndHealth Platform: Continuation of CultureForHealth movement as the Intersection of Culture, Health, and Wellbeing Across Europe 

 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the CultureAndHealth Platform, an initiative led by Culture Action Europe (CAE) uniting 15 partner organizations from 13 countries. This EU-supported project is set to support artists working in the intersection of culture, health and social sectors across Europe. The Platform responds to the recommendations of the  CultureForHealth report (2022), a report cited in EU documents on the “Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health”. 

Addressing a Critical Need 

With over 85 million EU citizens affected by mental health issues, the COVID-19 pandemic has further magnified challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness and social isolation. The CultureAndHealth Platform harnesses the proven benefits of artistic and cultural interventions to enhance mental health, prevent illnesses, and build resilience. 

The initiative responds to pressing gaps in Europe, including: 

  • Limited integration of culture into health and social policies, 
  • A lack of professional support and networks for artists working in interprofessional settings, 
  • The need for sustainable funding and fair working conditions for cultural practitioners. 

Empowering Artists and Communities 

The platform focuses on emerging European artists working at the nexus of culture, health, and care. It offers: 

  • Grants and Mobility Opportunities: Financial support for 170+ artists to implement projects or participate in international residencies. 
  • Capacity Building and Training: Over 1,500 live and 800 online training opportunities, along with peer-learning workshops. 
  • Showcasing Events: Four international conferences in Finland, Austria, Romania, and Belgium to highlight innovative practices in bridging culture and health and connect stakeholders. 
  • Digital Resources: An online platform featuring a database of artists and best practices to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

 

A Cross-Sectoral Partnership 

Led by Culture Action Europe, the four-year-project brings together cultural institutions, a health network and local authorities that work in this area. The partners working on this project are Taikusydän – Arts & Health Coordination Centre (Finland), Cavan County Council Arts Office (Ireland), Red Noses International (Austria), Pôle Culture & Santé en Nouvelle-Aquitaine (France), Competence Centre for Culture and Health (Sweden), Arts for Health Austria (Austria), Kunstloc Brabant (Netherlands), Drustvo Associacija (Slovenia), Assoc Oltre (Italy), ARC Research & Consultancy (Malta), HumaQ – Healing Culture Network (Germany), Cluj Cultural Centre – CCC (Romania), Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture – NDPC (Latvia), and European Regional and Local Health Authorities – EUREGHA (Belgium) and Urban Culture Institute- the city of weaves (Poland).
The partner consortium met in Vienna, Austria on November 27-28 for the kick-off meeting to officially start the work on the CultureAndHealth Platform. 

A Vision for Europe 

The CultureAndHealth Platform aligns with EU priorities to enhance cultural participation, promote health equity, and integrate arts into public health strategies. It addresses vulnerable populations through inclusive, participatory arts initiatives. 

Emerging artists, cultural practitioners, healthcare professionals, and policymakers are invited to follow the social media for newest updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cultureforhealtheu 

Contact person at NDPC: Dace Resele, dace.resele@ndpculture.org