Across Europe, the cultural sector is facing declining funding while being asked to play an expanding role in public health, social cohesion, and democratic participation. Cultural initiatives—whether artistic, grassroots, or institutional—are increasingly working in partnership with health and social care sectors, while researchers continue to demonstrate the value of these collaborations. Yet cultural labour remains precarious, under-resourced, and often invisible. The people who make cross-sector projects possible frequently work within unstable conditions, balancing multiple expectations with limited structural support.

Bonds of Care: Rethinking Labour in Arts & Health in Vilnius responds to the 2026 theme of Mental Health Arts Festival RYŠIAI (BONDS): LABOUR. The conference explores labour across the cultural, health, and social sectors, asking what makes transdisciplinary collaboration possible.

What makes arts & health collaborations sustainable? What barriers remain? What recommendations are emerging at the EU level, and how can NGOs, institutions, and policymakers strengthen support in Lithuania? Ultimately, the conference highlights both the complexity and the value of cross-sector collaboration.

The programme takes an interdisciplinary, practice-based approach and is structured around four interconnected strands:

  • Workshops and Policy Dialogues: Launch of the recent EU OMC report, ‘Culture and Health: Time to Act’, which calls for stronger collaboration between the culture, health, and social sectors and stresses the urgent need for systemic integration and policy action. 
  • Case Studies: Presentations of local and international projects demonstrating innovative approaches to arts for health and cross-sector partnership.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Sessions focused on inclusion, ethical practice, and self-care when working with vulnerable groups and emotionally demanding contexts.
  • Artistic Programme: A curated programme of artistic works developed through collaboration between artists, healthcare researchers, and practitioners.

The conference will be held in English.