The long-awaited report by the OMC expert group on the topic of “culture and health” has been published – a key document, the European Union publication Culture and Health – Time to Act, which analyses the role of culture and the arts in promoting health and well-being. The full report is currently available in English, and a Croatian executive summary will be published soon.

Among the 55 projects featured in this publication are three Croatian examples of good practice, including the HDLU project Healing Nature, authored by Dr. Art. Melinda Šefčić and dr.phil. Lea Vidaković (p. 26).

 

What is Culture and Health – Time to Act?

The publication was created within the framework of the CultureForHealth initiative and brings together European projects that connect culture and health. Its goal is to raise awareness of the importance of cultural and artistic interventions in healthcare institutions and communities, and to showcase examples that bring real, positive change to the lives of citizens across the EU.

Healing Nature – Art as Therapy

The HDLU project Healing Nature, by Dr. Art. Melinda Šefčić and dr.phil. Lea Vidaković, received special recognition. The project is based on a holistic approach to healing and transforms hospital spaces into inspiring and calming environments through interactive animations and augmented reality (AR). A special focus is placed on children, including workshops for children without adequate parental care. Under the guidance of Dr. Šefčić, the children created drawings of endangered animals, birds, and insects, which will be incorporated into the final mural. A total of 55 artworks were produced, encouraging creativity, emotional development, and a sense of community.

International Cooperation and Social Engagement

The project is implemented in collaboration with partners from Portugal and Bulgaria, highlighting the international character and social responsibility of the initiative. Special emphasis is placed on social inclusion and the active participation of children from vulnerable groups in artistic creation.

Recognition at the European Level

The inclusion of the Healing Nature project in the EU publication confirms the quality and significance of this good practice model in integrating art and health. This recognition further supports the efforts of HDLU and Dr. Šefčić in promoting cultural interventions in healthcare institutions and raising awareness of the importance of art in fostering community well-being.

Alongside Healing Nature, two other Croatian examples of good practice are featured in the publication: Born to Read, by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, and Film in the Hospital, by the association Children Meet Art / Seventh Continent Film Programme.

More information about the publication

 

Within the project:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

[Project Number: 101173267]

Project is co-financed by the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs.

Co-funded by the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Republic of Croatia. The views expressed in this release are the sole responsibility of the Croatian Association of Fine Artists and do not necessarily reflect the stance of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Republic of Croatia.