This report gathers existing evidence on the positive effect of arts and cultural activities on health and well-being and provides policy recommendations for stakeholders in the cultural, health and social sectors, and decision makers at local, national and European level.
The CultureForHealth report is not limited to a few research questions but seeks to provide a clear indication of the volume of existing literature, the key concepts, focus points and the types of studies that exist. It also identifies knowledge gaps in the existing literature.
The Policy Recommendations provide a series of broader and targeted policy proposals, as well as a discussion about the relevance of culture for the specific health, social and economic challenges that Europe currently faces.
With a mental health crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, an ageing population, growing inequalities, forceful displacement of people due to war and political conflict, and dynamic changes to work and the economy, new solutions and approaches are needed.
The findings and recommendations in this report throw light on the pathways through which culture and the arts can support individuals and communities in adequately addressing these global challenges, thus identifying further avenues for future research and action.
