Culture and Health

Culture and Health is a program implemented by the Institute of Urban Culture – City of Weaves, combining artistic and cultural activities with a focus on mental and social well-being. Research shows that participation in cultural events and artistic activities positively affects mental health, strengthens resilience, and helps build social bonds.

Collaboration between the sectors of culture, health, social care, and education

To fully harness the health-promoting potential of culture, close intersectoral collaboration is essential: combining the efforts of cultural institutions with the health sector, social care, as well as education and science. The Culture and Health program is inherently intersectoral. The Institute of Urban Culture – City of Weaves is the only Polish entity that has joined the international Culture and Health platform, which aims, among other things, to foster partnerships between doctors, therapists, artists, educators, and social workers to jointly create projects at the intersection of culture and health. Our Institute pursues this goal by working within European networks, as well as national and local partnerships.

Culture and art in hospitals, schools, and public spaces

One of the program’s key objectives is to bring culture and art closer to people—into the spaces where their daily lives unfold, where artistic interventions can provide the most valuable support. Therefore, cultural initiatives under the Culture and Health program reach hospitals, treatment and rehabilitation centers, social care institutions, schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Activities such as concerts for patients, art therapy workshops in care homes, workplace choirs, or theater classes in schools are just a few examples of integrating art into everyday life and striving for greater accessibility.

Research, evidence, and impact monitoring

The Culture and Health program follows an evidence-based approach. This means that planning and implementation go hand in hand with evaluation—studying the impact on participants and analyzing the outcomes achieved.
Currently, the Institute is conducting a mapping of local initiatives in the field of culture and health to develop a coherent system for monitoring their effectiveness. This mapping and analysis will help identify which methods yield the best results, allowing for the dissemination of best practices.

Support for artists and collaboration with specialists

At the Institute, we aim to ensure that artists implementing projects in the field of Culture and Health receive adequate intellectual and financial support. As part of our involvement in the Culture and Health platform, we will provide grants and scholarships for artistic projects related to health, as well as opportunities to participate in international residencies and exchanges.
In addition to financial support, creators will have the chance to present their work in an international arena—we will organize events (conferences, festivals) showcasing the most innovative practices combining culture with health.
Equally important is developing the competencies of artists and cultural animators to enable effective collaboration with the medical and social sectors. Through the Culture and Health platform, we offer training and courses—both in-person and online—where creators can gain knowledge in areas such as art therapy, communication with patients, basic psychology, and evaluating the impact of their work. We are also fostering networks and knowledge exchange groups, where artists can learn from each other and from experts (e.g., doctors, therapists, social workers).

Training, lectures, and promoting the idea that "culture is health"

Education and raising public awareness are crucial aspects of the program. City of Weaves organizes discussion panels, expert lectures, workshops, and information campaigns to spread knowledge about the positive impact of culture on health. These events take place both locally and in the form of public webinars and online resources.
In November 2024, Bielsko-Biała hosted an international conference dedicated to culture, health, and well-being, where experts, artists, and practitioners from various countries presented concrete examples of culture’s impact on health—ranging from youth-focused projects to initiatives for refugees.