Healing Arts is a global campaign by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organization
Healing Arts Barcelona is the first city-level activation of the global Healing Arts & health movement in Spain. Healing Arts Barcelona aims to drive national and regional policy implementation by leveraging the Jameel Arts & Health Lab’s research-outreach to policy model to impact the lives of millions of people.
From October 20–26, 2025, this dynamic week-long initiative will unfold across Barcelona and Catalonia, led by the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, and the World Health Organization, with support from the Generalitat de Catalunya and /Salut.This seven-day event brings together institutions and professionals across health, culture, and policy to foster collaboration and drive systemic change. Rooted in research and community engagement, it aims to improve physical, mental, and social well-being through the integration of the arts into care and public health strategies.
Positioning Catalonia as a leader in innovative, people-centered care, Healing Arts Barcelona highlights the role of culture in addressing social determinants of health. With a strong focus on equity and inclusion, the initiative showcases transformative arts interventions that build community, strengthen emotional resilience, and produce evidence for scalable, sustainable impact.
“The Museum is immersed in a continuously evolving, collaborative, and collective project that transcends the institution’s walls and teams, generating a wide and diverse network of alliances. This dynamic vision is now embodied in the transformation and expansion process of the new museum, set to open in 2029, which aims to redefine its role as a public, inclusive, and health-promoting cultural institution.”
Pepe Serra - Director Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya
Scottish Ballet, founded in 1969, is Scotland’s national dance company. Based in Glasgow, the company performs regularly across Scotland, throughout the UK and internationally – promoting Scotland’s pioneering spirit far and wide. Scottish Ballet is a National Centre for Dance Health delivering specialised programmes for those living with dementia, Parkinson’s, MS and Long Covid. Under CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballet presents bold, adventurous performances rooted in strong classical technique, accompanied by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. The company’s broad repertoire includes new versions of the classics and ground-breaking commissions, both on stage and screen. It is funded by the Scottish Government.
The Jameel Arts & Health Lab is a global initiative to measurably improve health and wellbeing through the arts. With a focus on overlooked and underserved communities, the Lab leverages scientific evidence, artist-led advocacy, and capacity building to drive the integration of the arts into mainstream healthcare. The Jameel Arts & Health Lab was launched in January 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, the Steinhardt School at New York University, Community Jameel, and Culturunners. Established to measurably improve health and wellbeing through the arts, it is the first major initiative of its kind to be supported by WHO.
