On 29–30 September 2025, the city of Turku hosted the international Culture and Health Forum, a two-day event that gathered experts, artists, researchers, and organisations working at the crossroads of arts, culture, health, and well-being.
Organised by the Arts Academy of Turku UAS, in collaboration with the Taikusydän Arts & Health Coordination Centre and the Nordic Arts and Health Research Network, the Forum offered a setting for sharing experiences, practices, and new ideas on how arts and culture can contribute to health and care.
Learn more about the event and its programme: Culture and Health Forum – Turku UAS
EUREGHA took part in the session alongside some of our partners of the Culture and Health Platform project, presenting our role in connecting regional and local health authorities and bridging them while connecting the cultural and health sectors. As this was the project’s first major public event, each partner introduced their areas of work so far — from national calls to the shadowing programme — providing a comprehensive overview of the initiative’s scope and objectives. EUREGHA’s contribution focused on how as a network of regions and local administrations can act as a bridge to bring the culture and arts into health strategies and regional implementation in the local health systems.
The Forum welcomed participants from across Europe, including emerging artists, researchers, students, and health professionals. Over two days, they exchanged knowledge through keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions — all highlighting how culture and creativity can strengthen mental health, social connection, and quality of life.
As the event concluded, EUREGHA expressed its commitment to continuing collaboration within the Culture and Health Platform and to supporting regional and local initiatives that use culture as a tool for better health across Europe.
Finally, partners were also invited to visit the new Tyks Compass Psychiatric Hospital in Turku — a pioneering facility designed to integrate openness, safety, and patient participation into every aspect of care. The hospital, which will employ around 1,000 professionals and house 178 beds for South-West Finland’s psychiatric services, was developed through an inclusive co-design process involving patients, families, and staff. From natural light and circadian lighting systems to sensory rooms, outdoor spaces, and every element aims to promote recovery and dignity. The visit also showcased the artistic dimension of care, including the work of visual artist Nina Rantala, who collaborated with patients, experts by experience, and clinical staff to create sensory rooms as shared spaces for healing and interaction. This reflects Finland’s broader commitment to deinstitutionalised, community-oriented mental health care with a strong focus on outpatient services and cross-sector collaboration.
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