Integrating cultural activities into daily routines, alongside physical exercise and a balanced diet, has a proven positive impact on mental well-being. Research shows that art helps reduce anxiety and social isolation by providing a necessary space for connection, expression, and emotional support.
These benefits were recently explored during the international webinar The role of creative arts in promoting mental wellness, organized by the International Centre for Black Sea Studies. During the event, Rarița Zbranca participated as a speaker, discussing the role of culture in preventing and managing mental health challenges.
Arts-based practices are often perceived by the public as more accessible and less stigmatizing than traditional forms of treatment. A relevant example highlighted during the discussion is the pilot program “Songs for mothers and babies” (Cântece pentru mame și bebeluși), designed for women experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression.
Evidence shows that the effectiveness of cultural activities increases significantly when they are adapted to the audience, communicated in accessible language, and, most importantly, co-created with the participants.
