West Pomeranian Region and Media Dizajn Association showcase innovative approach to well-being through culture
On 14 June 2025, the XVIII Non-Governmental Initiatives Week in Szczecin concluded with a vibrant Passion Picnic, spotlighting the power of arts and culture in improving mental well-being. Among the highlights were contributions from the West Pomeranian Region and the Media Dizajn Association, who shared insights from their involvement in the Arts on Prescription (AoP) in the Baltic Sea Region project, co-financed by the European Union (ERDF) as part of the Interreg BSR programme.
Interactive Workshops: Where Art Meets Mental Health
The AoP segment of the Passion Picnic featured five engaging workshops that offered hands-on exploration of how the arts can support emotional and psychological well-being.
Exploring Emotions through Acting
Led by actor and dancer Karol Pruciak, this dynamic workshop guided participants through elementary acting tasks and spatial-motor exercises, fostering self-confidence and strategies for managing everyday stress.
Emotions in Photography
Photographer Maria Antonina Bystrzycka, a local artistic, offered participants a journey into self-expression through mobile photography. Participants learned how to capture still life and emotion with their smartphones – supported by Aleksandra Kałucka, a young aspiring actress and volunteer model.
Dozens of participants, aged 15 to 64, engaged in these emotionally rich workshops, many of whom had also taken part in the AoP pilot programme Musical Vertigo organised by the Marshal’s Office of the Westpomeranian Region.
A Relaxing Space to Learn and Connect
As part of the Passion Picnic, a special AoP stand was set up, offering:
A relaxation zone
A children’s drawing corner to express emotions creatively
Informational materials about the Arts on Prescription programme and the online guide
Preliminary evaluation results from the pilot activities
The stand attracted over 100 visitors, including representatives from schools, universities, NGOs, emergency services, social homes, and local authorities – demonstrating the wide community interest in holistic approaches to mental health.
Taking the Message to the Main Stage
To further spread awareness and inspire action, representatives from the West Pomeranian Region and the Media Dizajn Association addressed the Passion Picnic crowd from the main stage. They encouraged residents and organisations alike to:
Integrate arts and cultural practices into health initiatives
Participate in future AoP activities
Support mental well-being through creative community engagement
A Cultural Prescription for a Healthier Region
With the success of the AoP events at this year’s Non-Governmental Initiatives Week, Szczecin takes another meaningful step in bridging culture and care. The message is clear: mental health matters, and the arts can heal.
