On 24 September 2025, EUREGHA and the Culture and Health Platform co-organised the online Event: “Culture & Health for All: From European Visions to Local Implementation.”

Setting the Scene

The debate built on the context  of the Culture for Health project, a four-year EU-funded initiative supporting artists and fostering collaboration between culture and health sector. Monica Urian (European Commission, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture – DG EAC ) underlined the urgent challenges of workforce shortages, burnout, and mental health, pointing to recent EU initiatives such as the 2023 Communication on mental health and the Council Conclusions on youth well-being in the digital era.

Arts and Mental Health in Practice

Christina Davies (University of Western Australia) presented the Good Arts, Good Mental Health® campaign, showing that two hours of arts per week can improve mental wellbeing. The 2024 statewide campaign in Western Australia, co-designed with thousands of citizens, reached nearly a quarter of adults, with 89% agreeing with its message and 42% intending to act.

Evidence from the WHO

Nils Fietje (WHO Europe) shared the global evidence base, highlighting that arts interventions support health promotion, prevention, and treatment. WHO is preparing updated reviews, policy briefs, and a Lancet series. As he stressed: “An investment in culture is an investment in health.”

Regional Perspectives

Mikkel Ottow (Central Denmark Region) showed how communication and adaptation of proven models, such as “Music and Motherhood,” are building momentum. He called for stronger EU leadership: “We see a real opportunity for the EU to become a frontrunner in advancing this field.”
Broula Barnohro Oussi (Stockholm Region) presented the Competence Centre for Culture and Health, which funds and sustains arts and health projects across hospitals and communities: “Being part of the system helps to tear down invisible walls when reaching out to hospitals.”

A Call for Collaboration

Speakers agreed that stronger communication, evaluation, and political support are needed to embed culture into health systems. The Culture and Health Platform was highlighted as a resource to exchange practices and build capacity. The event closed with a shared agreement that further cooperation, and recognition of culture as not only a right but also a determinant of health.