Culture and Health Forum 2026

The International Culture and Health Forum will focus on showcasing the work of artists at the intersection of culture, health, care, education, and social services. The conference, taking place on September 8 and 9, 2026, is open to everyone and will promote networking, mutual learning, and collective reflection on the future of this intersectional field.

The event will bring together a diverse international audience from all over Europe:

• Artists and practitioners working at the intersection of culture, health, care, education, and social services
• Healthcare and social services professionals
• International and Austrian experts
• Austrian and European policymakers
• Organizations that promote culture to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

The conference is organized by ARTS for HEALTH AUSTRIA in collaboration with Culture Action Europe and the members of the CultureAndHealth Platform. The event is co-funded by the European Union.

The program for the open conference includes:

• Discussion: Culture, Health, and Well-being at the EU and National Levels – Where Do We Stand and What’s Next?
• A closer look: Art/Culture and Mental Health. We will also discuss the untapped potential of art in combating loneliness among both older adults and young people.
• An interactive arts and culture program
• Introducing artists who work at the intersection of culture, health, care, and social services
  • • Artist Presentations
    • Immersive workshop experiences led by artists
    • Results of the artistic research labs, a flagship initiative

Participation is free of charge. Language: English / German.

Take a look at the last edition, which took place in Turku, Finland, and was attended by over 180 participants from 23 countries.