Art, Health and Well-being – A Training Program for Artists and Cultural Professionals CultureAndHealth Platform 2025
This summer brings a valuable opportunity for artists and cultural workers, as well as for those in psychology or medicine, to strengthen their skills. They are invited to apply for and participate in the Art, Health and Well-being training program – an initiative of the Cluj Cultural Centre, developed in partnership with professionals in culture, psychology, and health, as part of the European project CultureAndHealth Platform.
Drawing from over seven years of experience at the intersection of culture and health, this program aims to train artists and cultural practitioners in the design, implementation, and evaluation of artistic interventions that contribute to individual and community well-being. Selected participants will gain valuable knowledge and skills in emotional development, empathetic communication, and the design of evidence-based artistic activities – essential tools for working with vulnerable groups and understanding the impact of art on well-being.
The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, adapted to today’s societal challenges. It seeks to build bridges between fields, foster sensitivity in working with vulnerable groups, and equip participants to take a more active role in promoting emotional health and social cohesion through artistic means.
The training will be held in person, in Cluj-Napoca, at a location to be announced to selected participants. Participation is free, and content will be delivered in Romanian and English.
Read our data processing policy here.
Training Structure & Topics
Training sessions take place from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, on June 30 and July 1. Selection is conditional upon attending the full program.
The sessions will combine theoretical insights, hands-on exercises, and interactive discussions with expert guests. The program will be conducted in Romanian, except for the session on ethics and safeguarding, which will be delivered in English.
Participants are encouraged to define a project idea or target group they would like to work with in the future, to maximize the benefits of the program.
Key Topics:
Introduction to the emerging field of “Culture, Health, and Well-being”
Art, cultural participation, and well-being: definitions, activity types, approaches
Evidence-based effects of art and cultural participation on health and well-being
Art and emotions: psychological mechanisms triggered by art
How to Design and Implement Artistic Activities for Well-being?
Co-designing initiatives: active ingredients
Facilitating art-based well-being and health activities
Ethics and safeguarding in working with vulnerable groups
Evaluation methods for activities and participant impact
Cross-sector partnerships in culture, health, psychology, and care
Public communication and fundraising strategies
Speakers and Guests:
Aurora Szentágotai – Psychologist & Researcher, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Cluj-Napoca
Diana Buluga – Artist, Workshop Facilitator, Cultural Manager, President of Create.Act.Enjoy
Doina Baltaru – Director, Cluj-Napoca Military Hospital
Monica Bartucz – Psychologist & Researcher, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Cluj-Napoca
Raluca Bugnar – Communications Director, Create.Act.Enjoy
Rarița Zbranca – Program Director, Cluj Cultural Centre
Magdalena Klamminger – Head of International Artistic, Red Noses International
Key Dates:
Application period: June 11–22, 2025
Participant selection: June 23, 2025
Results & confirmation: June 24, 2025
Training sessions: June 30 – July 1, 2025
Read our data processing policy here.
Why does it matter?
More and more research confirms the valuable contribution of art in supporting mental health and emotional balance. Through this program, participants will discover not only tools and methods, but also meaning – in artistic work that can positively impact the lives of others.
More resources: https://www.cultureforhealth.eu/resources/
About the Initiative
This training is part of the CultureAndHealth Platform, a European initiative supporting over 200 emerging artistsworking at the intersection of culture, health, care, and education. The project provides financial support, mobility, and professional networking, promoting the recognition of culture’s value in building a healthy society.
The project is coordinated by Culture Action Europe, and the consortium includes 17 organizations and institutionsacross Europe – including the Cluj Cultural Centre – with support from 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
