Culture and Health - Time to Act

The benefits of participation in culture and the arts for human health and well-being have been recognised since ancient times, and contemporary research increasingly confirms their impact. Evidence now shows that engaging in artistic and cultural activities can enhance overall health, prevent illness, and support recovery and treatment processes. Over the past decades, studies across Europe have highlighted the importance of providing equitable access to cultural experiences, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of health status, can participate and benefit. By fostering both personal well-being and cultural resilience, cultural engagement becomes a powerful tool to address complex societal challenges. Reports by expert groups within the European Union emphasise the potential of integrated strategies, demonstrating that collaboration between culture and health sectors can create innovative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions to contemporary global issues.