Nice highlights links between art and mental health with two weeks of events
Nice will mark the 37th edition of Mental Health Information Weeks from 6 to 18 October, with a programme of free events exploring the relationship between the arts and mental wellbeing.
This year’s programme will focus on how artistic activities can support mental health, with conferences, workshops, screenings, discussions and open days taking place across the city.
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Based on a review by the World Health Organization, the initiative highlights how participating in or experiencing the arts can help regulate emotions, reduce stress and strengthen social connections.
Artistic activities can also play a role in preventing isolation and depression and supporting recovery and inclusion.
The City of Nice is organising the programme with its partners to raise awareness of mental health, challenge taboos and help people discover the support and resources available.
The city notes that one in four people will experience a mental health problem during their lifetime.
Events will include music therapy, art therapy and writing workshops inspired by narrative medicine, alongside meetings, readings, film screenings and discussions.
A round-table discussion will also take place at the Musée Masséna from 2.30pm on Wednesday, 7 October, exploring whether art can be a source of wellbeing as part of this year’s theme, “For our mental health, let’s open ourselves up to the arts.”
The Mental Health Information Weeks programme runs from Tuesday, 6 to Sunday, 18 October.
Events are free, with booking required.