With an open call for projects NDPC, in partnership with NDPHS, EUNIC and Arts Promotion Centre Finland, is launching the project ‘The Art of Staying Healthy’. In the project, the partners aim to develop collaboration between the arts and health sectors and to pilot arts interventions on the health and well-being of people and communities in the Northern Dimension area.
The recent WHO report on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being highlighted the important role of the arts sector in promoting good health, preventing mental and physical health challenges and supporting the treatment of acute and chronic conditions. Engaging in arts and cultural activities can reduce loneliness and isolation, increase social cohesion, strengthen individual and group identity and help to address social inequalities.
The Art of Staying Healthy aims to develop collaboration between the arts and health sectors and to pilot arts interventions on the health and well-being of people and communities in the Northern Dimension (ND) area, which covers Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia and Sweden.
Organisations are invited to submit ideas that explore the possibilities of integrating arts and cultural activities into the provision of health and social care services. The proposals should engage specific target groups, for example, vulnerable populations, different age groups or patient groups. Definitions of arts and health can be found in section 1.1 of the WHO report. Use these as a reference, but notice that other creative, cultural, or health care areas are also included in the open call.
The successful applicants will be offered workshops and mentoring to develop their ideas and will receive a grant to pilot the methodologies and implement project activities.
