‘Can art on prescription make us healthy again?’

If the corona crisis has made one thing clear, it is that we cannot do without art and culture to survive in this confusing and threatening world. Over the past few months, we have devoured books, indulged in binge-watching, or pulled old vinyl records out of the cupboard. Meanwhile, we were counting down the days until we could go to the theatres and concert halls again.

But can art really heal us? Would our doctors be better off prescribing a book or a film instead of pills when we are depressed or distraught, or have lost a loved one? The idea seems far-fetched, but in Great Britain and the Netherlands, this ‘medical’ practice is gaining momentum.

Bozar has been studying this fascinating subject for a year now, and is keen to stimulate the debate. To this end, we are inviting a series of interesting speakers, including Dirk De Wachter, Luc Van Gorp, Kristine Timperman, Nils Fietje, Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven and Julie Rodeyns. More information about the programme and other speakers will follow later.

This panel discussion is being recorded and will be posted online later with French and English subtitles.

This debate is taking place in the context of the Art & Well-being project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. ​​​​​​​