Uniting culture and health in Malta and Europe

Connecting key stakeholders in the Maltese Islands

ARC is currently leading a study titled ‘Bridging the Gap in Culture and Health: connecting key stakeholders in the Maltese Islands’, an initiative supported by Arts Council Malta’s Artistic Research & Development Scheme. The study builds on consultations with healthcare professionals and creative practitioners to explore the potential of the arts in hospital settings, the links between arts and mental health as well as the role of arts in health promotion and disease prevention.

Arts & health advocate Rarița Zbranca (Romania), who is consulting on the project, noted:

“Creative activities like dancing, singing, or writing are just as essential for mental and physical health as physical exercise. Realising this potential requires a vibrant and collaborative arts and health ecosystem. ARC is already contributing to this effort in Malta, fostering a community of practice through mapping, research, and facilitating insightful inter-sector conversations.”

As part of the research process, ARC is now inviting local artists and creative practitioners to share their insights and experiences via an online questionnaire [https://lnkd.in/eF5KJpbx]. Contributions will inform practical steps for fostering collaboration between the healthcare and cultural & creative sectors, including a workshop aimed at driving innovative partnerships.

The study’s findings will facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking, benefiting both sectors and the wider public. Other related initiatives will follow.

Malta joins European efforts to bridge culture and health

ARC’s commitment extends beyond Malta, as it represents the islands in the CultureAndHealth Platform, an initiative led by Culture Action Europe. This EU-funded platform enhances cultural participation, promotes health equity, and integrates the arts into public health strategies across Europe.

Elaine Falzon, ARC Consultant and coordinator of Culture, Health and Well-Being initiatives for ARC, expressed excitement about Malta’s role:

“Through our work at the intersection of culture, health & well-being, we aim to support policies and strategies that empower the cultural and creative sectors to further explore their full potential, particularly their value to communities and societies.”

The CultureAndHealth Platform responds to challenges magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation, which affect over 85 million EU citizens. It builds on the CultureForHealth report (2022), which the EU cited as a cornerstone in developing a comprehensive approach to mental health.

The EU-funded platform offers grants, mobility opportunities, training, and digital tools to empower emerging European artists. It will host events that connect culture and healthcare stakeholders, amplifying the impact of arts-based health interventions. It responds to pressing gaps in Europe, including inadequate integration of culture into health and social policies, limited professional support and networks for artists working in interprofessional settings, and the need for sustainable and fair working conditions for cultural practitioners. ARC will be working on a local national plan in collaboration with Arts Council Malta.

Commenting on the platform, Kornelia Kiss, Head of Culture and Health at Culture Action Europe (Brussels), said:

“The CultureAndHealth platform connects initiatives, amplifies their visibility and evidence internationally, supports artists, and engages the health and social sectors to foster an environment where these initiatives can thrive.”

ARC’s Managing Director Davinia Galea will represent Malta at the project’s kick-off meeting in Vienna on 27–28 November, where the groundwork for a unified European effort will be laid.