Art on Prescription: Art for Mental Health
The art on prescription initiative is included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan “Greece 2.0” and is implemented under Action Code 16735, titled: “Infrastructure for the Contribution of Culture to the ‘Silver Economy’ and the Use of Art to Improve Mental Health,” under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture. The initiative focuses on the implementation of an art on prescription programme addressing mental health. The project implementation was completed on March 31, 2026, marking the conclusion of the research carried out by the University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute "KOSTAS STEFANIS". The Institute developed the scientific framework underpinning the art on prescription actions and, through robust and evidence-based research, produced key findings on the impact of art-based interventions on individuals experiencing mental health vulnerability. In parallel, the Programme’s pilot actions were successfully completed, with the participation of 23 cultural organisations. The vision of the Art on Prescription Program, following the implementation of two Pilot Phases, was realized through its institutionalization via Law 5179/2025 (Par. 8, Article 108). This legislation integrates the Program into the National E-Prescription System and defines both the cultural entities eligible to participate and the citizens who can benefit from its actions. Furthermore, with the Joint Ministerial Decision No. 99517/2026 (GG 1288/B/10-3- 2026), the specific terms, conditions, and implementation procedures for the program "Art on Prescription as a Complementary Treatment in Mental Health" were established. This decision further outlines the criteria for the inclusion of beneficiaries, cultural organizations, and the participation requirements for professionals from the fields of mental health and the arts.
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Bridge culture with health and social care, fostering stronger cross-sector collaboration.
- Support the referral of citizens to arts-based activities through an organized Art on Prescription system. Integrate the Arts into the training of healthcare professionals, enhancing their clinical, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Encourage cultural organizations to make health and well-being a core part of their mission.
- Ensure the availability and accessibility of the Arts for all ages, with special consideration for vulnerable social groups.
- Support research on the effectiveness of the Arts in mental health.
- Inform and educate the public regarding the benefits of the Arts for public health.
- Create initiatives that encourage citizen participation in the Arts, promoting a balanced and active lifestyle.
What is Art on Prescription?
Art on Prescription is a groundbreaking initiative by the Ministry of Culture. It involves the organic interconnection and dynamic interaction between the Ministry, Research Institutions, and Cultural Entities (both supervised and non-supervised by the Ministry), aiming for the effective coordination of individual actions.
The initiative is delivered via two core pillars:
1. Art on Prescription as a Complementary Mental Health Treatment
This project aims to establish a structured framework for incorporating Art on
Prescription into therapeutic practices. Key components include:
- Designing and piloting Arts-based programs tailored for individuals facing mental health challenges or psychological distress from chronic illness.
- Impact studies on the benefits of engaging with the Arts.
- Defining participation guidelines for both beneficiaries and cultural organizations.
- Monitoring and evaluation to ensure continuous program optimization.
This endeavor is being conducted as a research project by the University Mental Health, Neurosciences and Precision Medicine Research Institute KOSTAS STEFANIS
(UMHRI).
2. Pilot Art on Prescription Activities
These activities focus on experiential workshops for individuals with diagnosed mental health conditions or psychological distress. The methodology consists of two phases:
- Exposure to the Arts: Participants engage with artworks and take part in thematic experiential workshops.
- Experience Analysis: Through group discussions, participants share their feelings and impressions, deepening their connection to the experience.
The pilot activities are being implemented in stages:
Phase I (2024): 10 institutions participated, achieving positive social impact.
Phase II (2025): 20 institutions conducted experiential workshops, scaling up the implementation and effectiveness of Arts-based mental health initiatives.
Art on Prescription bridges the Arts and mental health,offering citizens the opportunity to experience art in ways that promote overall wellbeing, active participation, and creativity in everyday life.
