Deadline: 07-Jun-2026
The CultureAndHealth Platform Project is inviting applications from two international artists from EU and Creative Europe countries to participate in a three-day Artist Shadowing Program in Tampere, Finland. The programme focuses on the intersection of arts, culture, health, and wellbeing through practical learning, artistic exchange, community engagement, and collaborative exploration of culture-and-health practices.
Selected artists will engage with Finnish artists and organisations working in the culture and wellbeing sector through workshops, site visits, and hands-on activities. The programme supports international networking, artistic learning, and knowledge exchange while highlighting how creative practices can contribute to wellbeing, inclusion, and community health.
What is the CultureAndHealth Platform Artist Shadowing Program?
The Artist Shadowing Program is an international cultural exchange initiative designed for professional artists working in arts, health, and wellbeing contexts.
The programme allows selected participants to:
- Observe Finnish culture-and-health projects
- Participate in workshops and artistic activities
- Exchange knowledge with local practitioners
- Explore socially engaged artistic methods
- Build international networks
- Present their own artistic practice
The initiative supports learning through direct participation and collaborative engagement.
Programme Location and Dates
Location
The programme will take place in:
- Tampere, Finland
Programme Duration
The core activities will run for:
- Three days
Travel Dates
Participants are expected to travel on:
- September 28
- October 2
Artists must attend the full programme from:
- Tuesday to Thursday
Main Objectives of the Programme
The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between arts, culture, health, and wellbeing sectors.
Key Objectives Include:
- Promoting wellbeing through arts
- Supporting international artistic exchange
- Building professional networks
- Encouraging socially engaged artistic practices
- Strengthening arts-and-health methodologies
- Supporting community wellbeing initiatives
- Expanding collaborative learning opportunities
Focus Areas of the Programme
Arts and Health Practice
The programme explores how artistic activities can contribute to:
- Mental wellbeing
- Social inclusion
- Emotional expression
- Community engagement
- Intergenerational connection
- Creative empowerment
Hands-On Artistic Learning
Participants will gain practical experience through:
- Workshops
- Site visits
- Collaborative activities
- Observation of community programmes
Community-Based Artistic Practice
The programme highlights artistic work involving:
Programme Activities
Selected artists will participate in a range of workshops and practical learning experiences.
Sirkussukellus Circus Project
Participants will visit:
- Sirkussukellus circus activities
The project focuses on:
- Circus-based creative activities for five-year-old children in daycare settings
The initiative demonstrates how circus arts can support:
- Creativity
- Physical expression
- Social interaction
- Early childhood wellbeing
Tosi-Labra Expressive Arts Workshops
Artists will also observe:
- Tosi-labra workshops
These workshops are designed for:
- Young people facing challenging life situations
The programme uses expressive arts approaches to support:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Self-expression
- Confidence-building
- Social connection
Circus Activities for Children
The programme includes observation of:
- Circus groups for children of different age groups
These activities demonstrate inclusive and participatory arts practices for youth wellbeing.
Art Groups for Elderly Wellbeing
Participants will engage with:
- Art groups designed for people aged 65 and above
The groups support:
- Social participation
- Creative engagement
- Emotional wellbeing
- Healthy ageing through arts
Language and Translation Arrangements
Working Language
The primary working language of the programme will be:
- English
Applicants must therefore:
- Be fluent in English
Workshop Translation Support
Some workshops involving children and elderly participants will be conducted in:
- Finnish
Translation arrangements will be provided for visiting artists during these activities.
Networking and Knowledge Exchange Opportunities
The programme provides opportunities for participants to:
- Connect with Finnish artists
- Engage with cultural organisations
- Exchange artistic methods
- Share professional experiences
- Explore future collaborations
Selected artists will also have the opportunity to:
- Present their own artistic work
- Discuss their practice with local practitioners
Funding and Financial Support
Selected artists will receive funding support of up to:
- €1,050
Funding Breakdown
Travel Support
Travel expenses covered up to:
- €350
Accommodation Support
Accommodation reimbursement up to:
- €400
Daily Allowance
Participants will receive:
- €300 daily allowance for five days
Reimbursement Process
Programme expenses will be:
- Reimbursed after the programme
Some flexibility regarding:
- Travel arrangements
- Accommodation costs
may be considered if necessary.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Selected participants must have:
- Valid travel insurance
for the duration of the programme.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to professional artists working at the intersection of arts, culture, health, and wellbeing.
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must have:
- At least three years of professional artistic experience
Arts and Wellbeing Experience
Applicants must work:
- Entirely or partially within arts, culture, health, and wellbeing fields
Collaboration Experience Requirement
Applicants must also demonstrate:
- At least two years of experience collaborating with wellbeing, healthcare, or social service partners
Geographic Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Live and work in an EU country
OR
- Live and work in another eligible Creative Europe country
Selection Priorities
Priority may be given to:
- Artists who have not previously received a CultureAndHealth Platform grant
The selection process will also aim to ensure:
- Geographic diversity across participating countries
Selection Criteria
Applications are expected to be evaluated based on:
- Professional artistic experience
- Experience in arts and wellbeing work
- Collaborative practice background
- Community engagement experience
- Relevance of artistic practice
- Motivation for participation
- Contribution to international exchange
Why This Programme Matters
Strengthens Arts and Wellbeing Practice
The initiative supports artistic approaches that contribute to community health and social wellbeing.
Encourages International Collaboration
Artists gain opportunities to build cross-border partnerships and exchange innovative methods.
Promotes Socially Engaged Art
The programme highlights creative practices working with vulnerable and diverse communities.
Supports Professional Development
Participants gain hands-on learning experiences and expand their professional networks.
Demonstrates the Role of Arts in Health
The programme showcases how creative activities can positively impact emotional, social, and community wellbeing.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
Ensure you meet requirements related to:
- Professional experience
- Arts-and-health practice
- Geographic eligibility
- Collaboration background
Step 2: Prepare Your Artistic Profile
Include information about:
- Your artistic practice
- Relevant projects
- Community engagement work
- Health and wellbeing collaborations
Step 3: Demonstrate Relevant Experience
Highlight:
- Arts-and-health initiatives
- Socially engaged art practice
- Collaborative work with communities
- Cross-sector partnerships
Step 4: Explain Your Motivation
Describe:
- Why you want to participate
- What you hope to learn
- How the programme connects to your practice
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the official application process before the programme deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate clear arts-and-health experience
- Highlight community-based artistic work
- Show collaborative practice experience
- Explain your interest in international exchange
- Include examples of socially engaged projects
- Emphasise adaptability and openness to learning
- Present a strong professional portfolio
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Weak explanation of arts-and-health experience
- Limited evidence of collaboration work
- Lack of clarity about professional practice
- Ignoring language or travel requirements
- Failing to demonstrate motivation for participation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Artist Shadowing Program?
It is an international exchange programme focused on arts, culture, health, and wellbeing practices in Tampere, Finland.
How many artists will be selected?
Two international artists will be selected for the programme.
What financial support is available?
Selected participants may receive up to €1,050 covering travel, accommodation, and daily allowance expenses.
Who can apply?
Professional artists from EU or eligible Creative Europe countries working in arts, culture, health, and wellbeing fields may apply.
Is prior arts-and-health experience required?
Yes. Applicants must have experience working at the intersection of arts, culture, health, and wellbeing.
Is English fluency mandatory?
Yes. The working language of the programme is English.
Are travel costs reimbursed?
Yes. Approved travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed after the programme.
Final Thoughts
The CultureAndHealth Platform Artist Shadowing Program 2026 offers a valuable international opportunity for artists exploring the relationship between creativity, health, and community wellbeing.
Through workshops, cultural exchange, collaborative learning, and direct engagement with Finnish arts-and-health initiatives, the programme supports professional development while demonstrating the transformative role of arts in supporting wellbeing and social inclusion.
For more information, visit CultureAndHealth Platform.