Deadline: 23-Feb-2026
The CultureAndHealth Platform Second National Call in Finland provides 8,000 euros to three artistic projects that integrate arts into health, social, or educational sectors. This grant supports professional emerging artists focusing on well-being, social inclusion, and mental health prevention between April and November 2026. Applications require a confirmed partner organization and must be submitted by February 23, 2026.
The CultureAndHealth Platform has announced a specialized funding opportunity in Finland to bridge the gap between creative practice and public health. This initiative funds interdisciplinary projects that use participatory art and creative interventions to improve the well-being of local communities and individuals in healthcare or social settings.
Why It Matters: The Impact of Arts on Health
Integrating arts into social and health sectors (often called Arts in Health) provides evidence-based benefits for both individuals and communities:
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Mental Health Prevention: Creative activities reduce cortisol levels and provide coping mechanisms for those at risk of mental health issues.
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Social Inclusion: Group-based art programs directly combat loneliness and social isolation in vulnerable populations.
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Environmental Enhancement: Installations and residencies in hospitals or care homes improve the “healing environment” for patients and staff.
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Systemic Sustainability: By requiring partnerships with the health sector, the program fosters long-term structural cooperation rather than one-off events.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Arts in Health: A multidisciplinary field dedicated to using the arts to enhance health and healthcare through creative experiences.
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Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partnerships where artists work alongside health professionals, social workers, or educators to achieve shared goals.
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Participatory Art: Projects where the audience or community members are active creators and participants, rather than passive observers.
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Emerging Artist: A professional artist in the early to mid-stages of their career who is establishing a professional track record.
Who is Eligible?
The grant is designed for professional practitioners capable of operating at the intersection of culture and social welfare.
Eligible Applicants:
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Individuals or Working Groups: Professional artists or collectives based in Finland.
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Qualifications: Must have professional training in the arts and experience in community-based practice.
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Language/Skills: Must possess fluent English skills and an interest in international networking.
Ineligible Projects:
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Art Therapy: Clinical projects focusing strictly on art-based therapy (which require specific clinical certifications) are not supported under this call.
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Unilateral Projects: Proposals that do not have a confirmed partner in the health, social, or educational sector.
Funding and Implementation Timeline
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Grant Amount: 8,000 euros per project (3 projects total).
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Application Deadline: February 23, 2026.
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Decision Notification: March 16–18, 2026.
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Project Commencement: April 1, 2026.
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Project Completion: November 30, 2026.
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Key Event: Showcase in Vienna, Austria (September 2026).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Identify a Partner: Contact a partner organization in the Finnish health, social, or educational sector (e.g., a hospital, school, or elderly care facility).
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Secure a Letter of Collaboration: Obtain a written commitment from the partner organization to be included in your application.
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Download Materials: Review the “Information About the Call” available on the official CultureAndHealth Platform website (available in Finnish).
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Draft the Proposal: Focus on how your art will improve well-being or environment within the partner’s structure.
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Submit via Official Form: Ensure all materials are uploaded by the February 23 deadline.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Defining Project as Therapy. Ensure your language describes “creative well-being” and “participatory art” rather than clinical “therapy,” as the latter is excluded from this funding.
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Mistake: Late Partner Engagement. Partner organizations often require internal approval for collaborations; contact them at least 3-4 weeks before the deadline.
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Tip: Focus on English Proficiency. Since there is an international showcase in Vienna and peer meetings involved, clearly demonstrate your ability to collaborate in English.
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Tip: Emphasize Sustainability. Show how the project could potentially continue or leave a lasting impact on the partner organization after the funding period.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this grant open to all artistic disciplines? Yes. Performances, exhibitions, installations, and participatory workshops are all eligible, provided they focus on health and well-being.
2. Can I apply if I am an international artist living in Finland? Yes, provided you have professional training, are established in the Finnish artistic sector, and can fulfill the project within Finland.
3. Does the 8,000 euro grant cover the artist’s fee? Yes. The funding is intended to support the implementation of the project, which includes artist fees, materials, and coordination costs.
4. What should the “Letter of Collaboration” include? It should be a brief document from your partner organization confirming their willingness to host the project and participate in the activities.
5. Is the Vienna showcase mandatory? While highly encouraged for networking and visibility, applicants should express an interest in international cooperation as a core part of their application.
6. Can a school be a partner organization? Yes. The educational sector is explicitly mentioned as an eligible partner for these interdisciplinary projects.
7. How many projects will be funded in total? Exactly three projects will be selected for the Finnish call, each receiving 8,000 euros.
Conclusion
The CultureAndHealth Second National Call in Finland represents a significant step toward integrating the arts into the Finnish welfare state. By funding professional artists to work within health and social structures, the program validates the role of creativity in public well-being. Successful applicants will be those who demonstrate strong local partnerships and a clear vision for how their art can alleviate isolation and improve mental health.
For more information, visit CultureAndHealth Platform.