Culture and Wellbeing Forum 2024 in Romania

On October 27–28, 2024, the Culture & Wellbeing Forum 2024 in Romania brought together 75 professionals, including public health experts, social workers, doctors, psychologists, artists, cultural practitioners, and representatives from public institutions. The event, organized by the Cluj Cultural Centre, focused on the intersection of culture, health, and social inclusion.

Highlighting Social Prescribing: A Holistic Approach to Health

The forum introduced social prescribing as an innovative approach of integrating culture, social care, and health to address individual and community well-being. This approach allows professionals such as doctors, psychologists, educators, and social workers to recommend participation in arts and cultural activities as part of a non-clinical or non-therapy service in the community to empower individuals and improve their mental well-being. These activities aim to enhance the physical, mental, and social health of participants. For further details on social prescribing, refer to our dedicated article here.

Study Findings and Discussions on Implementation in Romania

A significant highlight of the forum was the presentation of the study “The Opportunity for Developing and Implementing a Socio-Cultural Prescriptions Mechanism in Romania,” initiated by the Romanian Economic and Social Council. Building on the study’s findings, participants discussed the potential for implementing such a system in Romania. Case studies from Europe and other regions demonstrated diverse social prescribing mechanisms tailored to local contexts, sparking a deeper examination of Romania’s unique challenges, anticipated barriers, and potential strategies for success.

Baltic Sea Region Insights

Representatives from the Interreg BSR project Arts on Prescription in the Baltic Sea Region, Inga Surgunte (Cēsis Municipality) and Stine Keiding (Odense Kommune), shared insights from the Baltic Model of Arts on Prescription. Their presentation included learnings from the Museum on prescription pilot in Cēsis., emphasizing how arts-based approaches can address specific health and social challenges. Engaging discussions with participants further explored the organizational and conceptual factors critical to implementing such initiatives.

Workshops and Performances: Arts in Action

Beyond discussions, the forum included experiential activities showcasing the connection between artistic expression, health, and well-being:

• Dance and Well-Being Workshop: Led by choreographer Cosmin Manolescu, this workshop encouraged participants to explore movement, rhythm, touch, and breath, expanding their comfort zones while fostering a sense of connection.
• Performance – “Cancer”: Choreographed by Cosmin Manolescu and written by Cătălina Florescu, this performance combined dance and real-life testimonies from women affected by cancer. It offered a profound perspective on how cancer impacts the body and mind, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

A Path Forward for Culture and Well-Being

The Culture & Wellbeing Forum 2024 proved to be a platform for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and innovation, bringing Romania closer to integrating culture into its health and social systems. With international insights and local discussions, it paved the way for more holistic, inclusive, and creative approaches to health care and community resilience.

Programme Manual Online

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