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   In Barcelona 2009, the European Network of Cultural Administration Training Centres, ENCATC, set up a new Thematic Area Arts and Health chaired by Pia Strandman from Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. This April the ENCATC members and experts from other institutions or/and organizations interested on this topic has been invited to Paris by the organization Musique & Santé.

Musique & Santé was founded in 1998. It is a French non-profit organisation advocating and working for the development of live music in hospitals and institutions for disabled persons in France and Europe. Through actions, training sessions, research, and mediation, Musique & Santé engages with everyone – whatever their age and culture. Professional musicians work in healthcare units at the patients’ bedsides, in workshops, or organise ambulatory concerts. They mobilize and train the care and medical staff as well as the families.

To enhance the contribution of art and culture to health and well-being is a very topical issue at the moment. Art is discussed widely in its various social contexts, for social and community purposes – outside the traditional art institutions. This is a growing sector in meaning-intensive production and creative economy with beneficial cultural, social, employment and economic results. There is a demand for multi-skilled persons. The forms and methods of arts based practices in this context need to be studied further. Additionally, so does the production process of art services for rehabilitation and for social and recreational purposes.

Firstly, there is the topic of the reception of art. There are several studies indicative of cultural consumption and cultural pursuits having a positive effect on health. Participation in arts activities creates a sense of community and networks which support life management and add social capital. Arts can add social interaction, involvement and empowerment.

Secondly, there is the topic of production of art services. For a longer time now, artists and arts organizations have been getting involved in various arts activities in care units, but still there are challenges to be solved. What kind of challenges this means for cultural training institutes and cultural managers, will be discussed in Paris.

The meaning of the meeting is to clarify the concept, the targets and the methodology of the Working Group. Also the calendar for future activities will be set up.

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