Art for Mental Well-Being: Innovative Community-Based Solutions for Youth and Vulnerable Groups

forthcoming

ART4MENTAL is a cross-disciplinary initiative aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of vulnerable groups through the integration of art, digital technology, and mental health practices. Rooted in the belief that art can foster healing and resilience, the project brings together universities (KTH, CZU, TSNUK, TTK), technology provider, and cultural institutions to build capacity within the cultural and creative sectors. The project will train over 400 professionals—artists, mental health specialists, and university staff—in applying artistic and digital tools for mental health support. A Train-the-Trainer program ensures institutional sustainability. Through open calls, 20 artists from Ukraine and EU countries will be selected for grants and will co-create 20 VR-based art therapy immersive videos following study visits and bootcamps. A residency will support final production. These videos will be showcased in museums and art venues, reaching an audience of at least 500 visitors. Separately, the videos will be used in therapy sessions in rehabilitation and recovery centers, directly involving 200 patients, whose progress will be assessed using WHO-5, PHQ-9, and GAD-7. An additional 100 individuals from vulnerable groups (e.g., women, displaced persons) will be engaged through collaborative sessions with partner initiatives. Moreover, 300 students will participate in co-design workshops across partner universities. The project culminates in a large-scale exhibition in Poland, raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health. Overall, ART4MENTAL aims to reach over 500,000 people through communication, dissemination, and public engagement efforts. ART4MENTAL directly addresses Objective 2 of the call by strengthening innovation and talent development in cultural sectors and promoting social inclusion, gender equality, and digital transition.