More than 150 professionals from the fields of mental health and culture gathered on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Es Baluard Museum in Palma for the first edition of “Cultural-Ment”, a professional encounter organised by the General Directorate of Mental Health of the Balearic Ministry of Health.
The event aimed to highlight the role of artistic and cultural activities as valuable tools available to health and social care professionals to promote emotional well-being and both individual and community health.
This First Meeting between Arts and Mental Health Professionals sought to share experiences, build synergies, and lay the groundwork for long-term collaboration between the health and cultural sectors. The ultimate goal: to maximise the proven potential of the arts in enhancing well-being in institutional and community settings.
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Balearic Health Ministry explores the benefits of art and culture on mental health through “Cultural-Ment”
The approach is aligned with the growing discipline of Arts in Health, a broad and expanding field that encompasses a wide range of initiatives where artistic and community-based actions are incorporated into therapeutic plans, preventive programs, and health promotion efforts.
The event, held from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Es Baluard’s Aljub, featured expert panels, keynote presentations, and open discussions. Registrations surpassed 150 participants, and were still open ahead of the event.
🗣️ Keynotes and Opening
The event was opened by Carme Bosch, Director General of Mental Health, with a welcome address by Imma Prieto, Director of Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Technical coordination was provided by the organisation Apropa Cultura.
The main keynote presentation, titled “Arts in Health: Implementing Art and Mental Health Projects”, was delivered by:
- Dr. Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga, Head of Psychiatry at Vall d’Hebron Hospital
- Guillem d’Efak Fullana, Head of Community Action and Public Programs at the National Museum of Art of Catalonia (MNAC)
The Catalan Health Institute (ICS) has adopted the Arts in Health strategy through the creation of its PADEICS Program, a framework that supports, reflects on, and advises projects integrating the arts into professional healthcare practice.
🎭 Inspiring Experiences
The first roundtable, moderated by psychiatrist Xavier Kuhalainen, focused on real-world cases linking museums, performing arts, and mental health, including:
- “AlimentAR-T” – A collaboration between the CAP Rambla Ferran and the Morera Museum (Lleida), combining nutrition, health, and art. Presented by Meritxell Bosch Muntané and Alícia Márquez Vidal.
- “Theatre to Embrace”, led by David R. Peralto, President of Fundación Teatro Joven.
- “Es Baluard Museum: Weaving Bonds Between Museum and Social-Health Contexts”, with Eva Cifre, Head of Education at Es Baluard.
- “In a Place of the Mind”, presented by Catalina Solivellas, actress and cultural manager; Aina Romera and Nena Perelló, participants from Fundación Es Garrover and Estepa Teatre.
📚 Cultural Prescription
The second roundtable, titled “The Importance of Culture in Emotional Well-being: Toward Cultural Prescription”, examined future possibilities and current practices in the Balearic Islands. Moderated by Carles Recasens, President of the Balearic College of Physicians, the panel featured:
- Carme Bosch, Director General of Mental Health
- Pedro Vidal, Secretary of State for Culture and Sports
- Javier Torres, Dean of the Official College of Psychology
- Rainer Chrysant Oberguggenberger, Head of Psychiatry at Bons Aires Health Park
- Sebastià Mascaró, Director of the Inca Museum of Footwear and Industry
- Guillem Febrer, Manager of Estel de Llevant and Secretary of 3 Salut Mental
The event concluded with remarks from Health Minister Manuela García, who emphasised the growing recognition of culture as a key component in public health strategies.