Today, 23 October, the Central Building of the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) hosted the conference ‘Creative Pathways to Health: Research and Practice in Arts-Based Interventions, an international meeting focused on analysing how the arts can contribute to people’s well-being and health. The event, jointly organised by Vall d’Hebron, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) and the M₃O research group of the University of Vic–Central University of Catalonia, was held as part of Healing Arts Barcelona. Around a hundred health and research professionals and cultural agents attended.

The day, scientifically coordinated by Professor Sergi Blancafort (UVic-UCC), served as a meeting point to present and discuss new lines of research and practices in the field of Arts in Health, an area that has grown significantly in recent years. Accumulated scientific evidence shows that participation in artistic activities can improve physical and mental health, reduce stress and loneliness, and enhance the quality of life of people in vulnerable situations or with illness.

Nisha Sajnani, professor at New York University and co-director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, delivered the keynote lecture, providing a global overview of the role of the arts in health and well-being.

Next, the round table ‘Arts in Health: From Theory to Practice’ brought together international researchers who shared models and experiences of artistic interventions in various contexts: from the impact of music and dance on the physical and psychosocial health of older people to the role of the arts in palliative care or psychosocial support in humanitarian contexts.

The programme concluded with a session dedicated to experiences in Catalonia, featuring professionals from hospitals, museums and universities presenting research and intervention projects in areas such as mental health, Parkinson’s disease, reducing loneliness among older adults, and improving the well-being of patients with chronic conditions. The session was opened by Antoni Plasència, Director General for Research and Innovation in Health at the Department of Health, and moderated by Dr Sara Guila Fidel Kinori, clinical psychologist at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and researcher at the Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions Group at VHIR.

Vall d’Hebron’s experience in arts and health

In addition to the presentations, the event featured an exhibition in the lobby showcasing several Vall d’Hebron initiatives that use art to promote health and well-being. Among them:

• “Renaixement”, a song created by urban artist Mushkaa and teenage survivors of sexual violence as part of their recovery process.
• “Obrint portes”, artistic pieces created by adolescent patients from the Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Department to support their well-being.
• Exploring cultural heritage to promote well-being and social cohesion, which integrates heritage into mental health strategies and enhances well-being through education, digital media and accessible cultural routes.
• “Imaginem mons amb IDPs”, an exhibition of drawings by children and adolescents with primary immunodeficiencies to share their experiences and emotions. Promoted by BCN PID Foundation and the Tàpies Museum.
• Art and psychology united to support women with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Vall d’Hebron and MNAC are exploring new art-based treatments, especially for migrant and refugee women in situations of social vulnerability.
• “Teixim Recerca”, an exhibition giving voice to people with Parkinson’s disease and healthcare professionals, highlighting shared challenges of the condition and inspiring new research directions.