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 regional Healing Arts activation in Spain. From October 20–26, 2025, this dynamic week-long initiative will unfold across Barcelona and Catalonia and is 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.
The 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.
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 engaged in a collaborative, collective, and constantly evolving project that transcends the institution’s walls and teams, creating a broad and diverse network of alliances. This dynamic vision is now taking shape in the transformation and expansion process of the new museum, which will open its doors in 2029 and aims to redefine its role as a public cultural institution—one that is inclusive and a promoter of health."
Pepe Serra – Director, Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is a leading cultural institution housed in the Palau Nacional on Montjuïc, originally built for the 1929 International Exposition. It first opened in 1934 as the Museu d'Art de Catalunya, bringing together the medieval art collection. In 1995, as the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, it inaugurated the new Romanesque art galleries, and over the following years progressively expanded its public presentation of the collection, culminating in 2004 with the integration of modern art.
The MNAC is currently planning an ambitious expansion into a second historic building, which will double its exhibition space and enhance its ability to fulfill its mission. Broadening its curatorial role, the museum is also a key player in cultural and social innovation, with a strong focus on education, inclusion, and community health. It is internationally recognized for pioneering arts in health initiatives in collaboration with hospitals, primary care centers, universities, and public institutions.
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.
