Culture, wellbeing and health

This paper introduces the theoretical references at the basis of “Culture, Wellbeing and Health” project, which is developed thanks to the collaboration between the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, The University of Siena, Cultural and Socio-Health Institution (including Palazzo Magnani Foundation of Reggio Emilia, State Archive of Modena, Panizzi Library of Reggio Emilia, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Center of Modena), and associations (Anemos Neuroscience Center, Via Roma 0 Association, PromoArena and Avis of Arena (VV), Proloco of Enna, PAN Heritage Arts and Nature). The project, currently under development, includes a series of pilot-cases aimed at developing indicators and methodologies to measure the social impact of culture in society, with particular attention to: elderly and people with pathologies and disabilities.

European Framework

The contribution introduces the European reference framework with a selection of international papers.  

Framework for actions in Cultural Heritage (2018) encourages a wider understanding of the ideals, principles and values embedded in Europe’s Cultural Heritage, particularly those underpinning European integration, promoting education and interpretation (Commission Staff Working Document 2018). In Pillar 1, Cultural Heritage and Inclusive Europe, it is explicitly states that Cultural Heritage has the potential to contribute positively to people’s lives and to European Societies as a whole. It can do so by improving psychological and social well-being or strengthening social inclusion. The New European Agenda for Culture sets out five priorities for European Cooperation in Cultural Policy Making, among which there is the priority of cohesion and well-being. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development represents a new framework to achieve sustainable development and poverty root out. The core of the 2030 Agenda is the set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and associated targets, including the Goal 3 that “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages highlights the promotion of social inclusion through improved access to social, cultural and recreational services” (European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development). Well-being depends on people’s possibility of enacting personal value including multiple factors such as quality of life and relationships, emotions and resilience, but also physical and mental health, and self-perceived health. Cultural heritage can become a means of raising well-being levels, as a generator of awareness, creativity, identity and social cohesion. If cultural heritage produces key-driver values for human performance, cultural experiences must be valued as therapeutic, non-pharmacological supports for well-being and health. 

A complex definition of health

The World Health Organization (WHO) define health as a “state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Constitution of WHO 1946). The WHO definition of health includes wellbeing as an essential component. The Awareness of cultural contexts has always been central to the work of WHO: with the adoption of Health 2020, the European health policy framework, more emphasis is being placed on the perceived well-being of European populations. The WHO Regional Office for Europe has recently undertaken a project on the cultural contexts of health for in-depth analysis of how cultural factors affect health and well-being. In 2008, The Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project defined mental wellbeing as a “dynamic state in which the individual is able to develop his/her potential work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships whit other and contribute to their community. It is enhanced when an individual is able to fulfil their personal and social goals and to achieve a sense of purpose in society”. For their ability to involve individuals, through attendance at visits and cultural events and through participation in creativity activities, museums and cultural institutions have a therapeutic potential.

Health is part of our human capital, a resource for economic prosperity and social development. Cultural Institutions offer an interactive environment that can contribute to well-being in present day, a therapeutic environment with consequential emotional and physiological benefits, in particular in relation with COVID 19 current pandemic and post-pandemic scenarios must surely be keywords, “tools in the toolbox” for well-being.

State-of-the-art

The state of the art shows that numerous evidences confirm the relationships existing between culture, wellness and health. Below, the lists the main studies belonging to multiple disciplinary fields (medical and psychological investigation, neuroscientific experiments, research, tools and practices initiated by cultural institutions). Studies show that the relationship between well-being and health is detectable in experiences that introduce culture in care settings, as well as in cultural experiences carried out in museums, galleries, archaeological sites.

Essential review on user’ group engagement in selected cultural experiences in museums, galleries, archaeological sites

Selected projects, programs, reports, best practices and tools for evaluating wellness and health levels in cultural contexts

Selected list of studies: impact of reading and storytelling on users’ well-being and health