Exploring the Intersection of Arts, Culture, and Health: A Global Round-table Recap

What if the key to better health and wellbeing lies not only in medicine, but also in arts and culture?

This thought-provoking question opened the series of events for the AWAKE project in April of 2024. The international round-table, brought together 92 attendees from 24 countries to explore the powerful connections between arts, culture, and health. The event offered a space to discuss practical experiences, the skills needed for sustainability, and new access points for cultural practitioners seeking to engage with the health sector.

Distinguished speakers shared their insights on how creative practices can enhance both individual and collective wellbeing, pushing beyond traditional definitions of health to include emotional, social, and cultural dimensions. Wellbeing, after all, is a holistic resource composed of both material and immaterial factors—from physical health to emotional fulfilment and social connection. The arts have a powerful role to play in addressing these diverse needs. In Finland, artists /entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds shared their experiences and learnings regarding working in the field of arts and health.

AWAKE Roundtable speakers were:

Moderator: Inga Surgunte, Culture Programme Director at the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO

Kornelia Kiss, Head of Research and Development at Culture Action Europe

Angelica Postu, lead advocate of music therapy in Romania

Tine Van Goethen, Head of Audience Engagement Department at Bozar, Brussels

Isto Turpeinen, Senior Specialist at Art, Health and Wellbeing Advisory Service in Art Promotion Centre Finland

Julie Läderach, a cellist and Co-director of Collectif Tutti

Sylvain Méret, a dance performer, choreographer and Master Somatic Movement Educator/Therapist

The recording of this insightful event is now available for viewing:

What is ”AWAKE”?

AWAKE, or ”Arts & Wellbeing As a Creative Business and Future Livelihood” project aims to explore the intersection of arts and wellbeing from the perspective of creative business and future livelihood by spotlighting emerging collaborative practices between arts and wellbeing.The purpose of this project is to research, identify and analyse two important aspects:

1) Access and barrier points in the health & wellbeing sectors for artists and creative professionals.
2) Find case examples where artists and creative professionals have been able to create business and livelihoods for themselves, especially connected to the health & wellbeing sectors.

Will there be more AWAKE events this year?

This year, AWAKE is preparing it’s second event in December 12th at Lapinlahden Lähde, where once more, discussions and workshops about the powerful connections between arts, culture, and health will be taking place. More information ill be available soon.

If you are interested in joining our AWAKE events you can get in touch with [email protected].