In a world where change seems to be the only constant, maintaining a balance between physical and mental health has become a necessity. Complementary methods for coping with daily stress, social anxiety, and the fast pace of modern life can add value to conventional solutions by integrating perspectives and approaches grounded in art and creativity.
On June 30 and July 1, 2025, the Cluj Cultural Centre organized in Cluj-Napoca the “Art, Health, and Well-Being” training program, designed especially for artists and cultural workers, as well as psychologists and professionals in the health sector. Through a complex and interdisciplinary agenda, the program aimed to help participants develop the knowledge and skills needed to design, plan, implement, and evaluate artistic interventions for well-being and/or health.
The training program was developed based on years of hands-on and scientific experience in the field and benefited from the contributions of a national and international interdisciplinary group of experts: Aurora Szentagotai (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Cluj-Napoca), Diana Buluga (Create.Act.Enjoy), Doina Baltaru (Cluj-Napoca Military Hospital), Monica Bartucz (Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Cluj-Napoca), Raluca Bugnar (Create.Act.Enjoy), Claudia Cacovean and Rarița Zbranca (Cluj Cultural Centre), and Magdalena Klamminger (Red Noses International). Together with the participants, they created a space for both theoretical and practical learning, where they tested ideas, engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and opened new pathways for those interested in developing their practices.
The 20 selected participants and other cultural enthusiasts had the opportunity to become familiar with fundamental concepts and access practical resources for developing artistic interventions that impact health and well-being. Beyond theory, hands-on exercises challenged them to shape their own projects, identify their interests, and better understand the real needs of the communities they will work with. Among the 20 participants, artists who were selected through the call launched by the Cluj Cultural Centre to support artistic interventions also participated.
It was a very useful experience for me. I feel like I learned a lot of new information for my future. I had many pleasant interactions with my colleagues and the facilitators, and I feel more confident about what I want to do.
Participant in the Art, Health, and Well-Being Training Program
Through such initiatives, the Cluj Cultural Centre aims to connect professionals from different fields and foster authentic collaborations based on trust and care – for facilitators, collaborators, and beneficiaries alike.
The dynamic nature of the information made the two-day course experience both complex and easy and enjoyable to absorb. I left the orientation course with new knowledge that I will apply in my artistic practice. The team and facilitators were well-prepared, involved, and fully present throughout the course. I will gladly participate in future training sessions organized by the CCC team!
Participant in the Art, Health, and Well-Being Training Program
The Cluj Cultural Centre intends to continue organizing future editions of the program, tailored to meet the needs of a growing community – artists, cultural workers, and professionals from diverse fields, who are exploring the potential of art and creativity to contribute to health and well-being.
Photo credits: Roland Váczi
About the initiative
The program is part of the CultureAndHealth Platform, a European initiative that supports over 200 emerging artists working at the intersection of culture, health, care, and education sectors. The project provides financial support, mobility opportunities, and professional networking, while promoting the recognition of culture’s value in building a healthy society.
Coordinated by Culture Action Europe, the consortium brings together 17 organizations and institutions from across Europe – including the Cluj Cultural Centre – and is supported financially by the European Union.
The views expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the EU or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
Local supporters: Cluj-Napoca City Hall, Cluj Local Council, and Cluj County Council
Strategic partner: Banca Transilvania
