‘Art on prescription’ as a model for adult education centres

The Bremen Adult Education Centre (Bremen vhs) has been involved in the Interreg project Arts on Prescription in the Baltic Sea Region since 2023. Arts on Prescription - in German Kultur auf Rezept - is an innovative approach to promoting mental health in the field of Arts and Health, i.e. at the interface of art, culture and health promotion. An Arts on Prescription programme was tested in three pilot phases at the Bremen Adult Education Centre. Doctors' surgeries, psychotherapeutic practices and advice centres were able to issue an art prescription to people with mental health problems, enabling them to take part in the Arts on Prescription programme free of charge. The programme consisted of selected art courses from the open cultural programme of the Bremen vhs and an accompanying Arts on Prescription group to reflect on the experiences in the art courses and the connection with mental health and well-being.

The project was very successful: in addition to the great demand and many satisfied participants, some of whom are now continuing to attend courses at the Bremen vhs, it brought positive media attention to the Bremen vhs for an innovative format of health promotion, provided inspiration for the cultural sector and strengthened interdisciplinary cooperation.

The event is aimed at interested regional associations and adult education centres. Presentations and discussion rounds will provide information about the Arts on Prescription approach, discuss its potential for adult education centres and share the lessons learned and experiences of the Bremen Adult Education Centre with its implementation. In working phases, participants will be able to work on questions and concerns with regard to a possible implementation of the approach. The event will also serve as a prelude to the establishment of a nationwide network to exchange ideas on the possibilities of implementing Arts on Prescription and other Arts and Health programmes at adult education centres.

Agenda

Monday 23.06.2025
13:30 Arrival and lunch snack
14:00 Start of the conference

• Opening: Susanne Nolte, Bremer vhs
• Interview with Eva Weissmüller and Gerhard Hartmann, Bavarian Adult Education Association
• Presentation Arts on prescription: background, basic concept, implementation in Bremen: Hannah Goebel and Leonie Koch, Bremer vhs
• Pitches:
  • Recovery counselling: Abier Saad, Bremer vhs
  • Cross-departmental and cross-institutional cooperation: Imke Seifert, Senator for Health, Women and Consumer Protection
  • Art on prescription in the cultural programme: Anne Bock, Bremer vhs
  • Course leader's perspective: Stefanie Lubrich, choir leader and singing teacher
  • Arts on prescription in Oberhausen (NRW): Dr Gesa Reisz, vhs Oberhausen
• Walking Q&A
• Joint conclusion ‘Actually, I like singing, but...’: Stefanie Lubrich, choir director and singing teacher

18:00 End, followed by a joint dinner (optional)

Tuesday 24 June 2025
09:00 Start

• Lecture ‘Innovation - (only) through projects?’: Lena Flitta, V-Büro for project and change management
• Working Sessions
  • First steps: Project development
  • First steps: vhs network

13:00 End of the conference
Moderation: Hauke Siemen, REM Consult