Abstract

The 2023-26 Work Plan for Culture from the European Commission signifies a pivotal step in intertwining cultural and healthcare policies, recognizing the profound impact of cultural activities on well-being. It underlines the need to integrate cultural participation into healthcare, particularly emphasizing mental health in the post-pandemic era. The paper outlines a crucial four-step approach to achieve this integration, emphasizing the need for clear impact pathways, precise intervention protocols, stable partnerships, and effective policies. This initiative reflects a shift towards mainstreaming cultural welfare within European policies and highlights the importance of promoting cross-sectoral cooperation between cultural and healthcare decision-makers.