Unveiling the Power of Art and Culture: Enhancing Mental Health and Social Engagement in the South Mediterranean with Insights from Catalonia

The decline in mental health is indeed a significant global concern, with rates plummeting worldwide. Fortunately, there is growing recognition of the potential of arts and culture to enhance brain health and overall well-being. In response to this pressing need, successful initiatives have emerged, particularly in Europe. In this report, we showcase some of these initiatives from Catalonia as exemplary models.

Furthermore, this report delves into the intricacies of the South Mediterranean region, examining the cultural capacity, social dynamics, and factors influencing both the economy and the cultural ecosystem. By studying these specificities, the report aims to establish a roadmap that can be applied to develop similar initiatives across the South Mediterranean region, drawing from the successful pilot cases in Catalonia. The proposed roadmap, outlined in the report, serves as a strategic guide, offering actionable steps and recommendations to facilitate the integration of arts and cultural interventions into the promotion of mental health in the target countries.

This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the CREACT4MED project. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the author and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the programme management structures. CREACT4MED is a project funded by the European Union (EU) through the EuropeAid Programme, that aims to strengthen businesses and entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in the Southern Neighbourhood of the EU, with a particular focus on young people and women.