“Culture Cares: Developing Interventions That Support The Integration of Arts in Health Care and Well-Being Practices” is a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) jointed coordinated by NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (NHL Stenden), Technical University of the Shannon (TUS), Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences (FHV), Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) and Polytechnic of Cávado and Ave (IPCA).
Art activities can play a role in prevention, (mental) health, personal development, empowerment and inclusion, from a more holistic view of care and well-being. However, integrating these practices in the domain of health care and well-being (HC&WB) is still a challenge. Therefore, students will study cases from all participating countries and develop tools (in the broadest sense of the word) that support the mutual understanding and professional cooperation of artists and professionals working in HC&WB.
Also, Culture Cares wants students to learn and think about the challenges the European health care and well-being systems face and the role the arts can play in the transition from care to positive health, including marginalised groups that often have limited access to (positive) health care.
Photograph: Performance scene of ‘Momentum’ of Dance Company Leefmeester. Photographer: Mitch de Pon.
19th of January 2026 to 16th of March 2026
English
To be defined by each home institution. In general terms, most students will have this E+ BIP certified in the Diploma Supplement, as a minimal condition upon approval from their study programmes.
Bachelor, Master and PhD students of RUN-EU.
Programme at a glance
Lecturer Antine Zijlstra
Lecturers Stefanie Neyer, Nadine Hinteregger and a stakeholder
Lecturers Jorge Brandão Pereira, Janneke Metselaar and a stakeholder.
Lecturers Jennifer Stritch and Paula Rantamaa and a stakeholder.
Monday 02 March 2026
Morning: Introduction to the assignment
Afternoon: Pitches cases, face-to-face week challenge (in thematic groups)
Evening: Free time (get to know each other)
Tuesday 03 March 2026
Morning: Kick off, group work
Afternoon: Expert talk director Arts in Health, a visit to the Inclusive Community Lab or other stakeholder
Evening: Dinner
Wednesday 04 March 2026
Morning: Kick off inclusive group work
Afternoon: Free time (optional: city walk)
Thursday 05 March 2026
Morning: Kick off inclusive creative activity
Afternoon: Excursion to Dance on a recipe/other stakeholder(s)
Evening: Drinks
Friday 06 March 2026
Presentation: Progress of the assignment, follow up activities, peer feedback, feedback lecturers.
Closing of the programme.
With all lecturers.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme, learners will be able to:
Students will:
- encounter different cultural and social perspectives and develop an awareness of the meaning the arts can have for health care and wellbeing.
- identify and analyse relevant cases, demonstrating an understanding of how the arts contribute in diverse health care and well-being contexts and feel empowered to play a role in the debate.
- identify and demonstrate knowledge of changing perceptions related to phenomena like aging societies, shifting perspectives - from health to positive health and well-being - and growing attention for the social inclusion of vulnerable groups in society, for example in EU-policies.
- increase knowledge of design-based ways of working and experience steps in the design process.
- think creatively and be able to develop interventions and activities that address, in cooperation with specific stakeholders, for specific target groups.
- strengthen communication and cooperation skills with students and participants from different cultural backgrounds.
Selection criteria
Selection is based on prerequisite compliance, application and motivation, and a balanced representation across partner institutions. The BIP will accept 35 participants maximum.
Involved organisations and persons
Häme University of Applied Sciences
Partner Organisation- Paula Rantamaa (Instructor)
NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences
Lead Organisation, Host Organisation- Antine Zijlstra (Lead Instructor)
- Janneke Metselaar (Instructor)
Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave
Partner Organisation- Jorge Pereira (Instructor)
Technological University of the Shannon
Partner Organisation- Jennifer Stritch (Instructor)
Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences
Partner Organisation- Nadine Hinteregger (Instructor)
- Stefanie Neyer (Instructor)
