Mandated by the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026, the report explores how participation in cultural and creative activities, such as music, visual arts, heritage, and drama, can positively impact physical and mental health, promote social inclusion, and support disease prevention and treatment.
- Access and read Culture and health - Time to act
The OMC Group began its work in February 2024, responding to a growing body of international evidence that positions cultural engagement as a positive health behaviour. The report recommends strategic actions to unlock the potential of culture and health collaborations across the EU, while emphasising the importance of respecting culture’s intrinsic value.
This timely publication aligns closely with the themes of NEMO’s upcoming annual conference on museums, health, and wellbeing, where two contributors to the report will participate in the panel discussion ‘Caring collaborations across sectors: From inspiration to infrastructure’ on 28 October.
- Inga Surgunte (Latvia), from the Latvian Academy of Culture, will deliver the presentation ‘Culture and health: Supports and pitfalls for museums.’ Drawing on her experience with the Museums on Prescription programme and her role in the OMC Group, she will explore how museums can sustainably engage in health-related initiatives while navigating the complexities of cross-sector collaboration.
- Nils Fietje (Denmark/Germany), from the World Health Organization (WHO), is acknowledged in the report for his invaluable expertise. He will moderate the panel, facilitating dialogue on how cultural institutions can contribute meaningfully to health and wellbeing infrastructures.
