Who we are

The Cultura e Salute (Culture and Health) project was launched in March 2020 through a collaboration between the Culture Division of the City of Lugano and IBSA Foundation for scientific research. The initiative promotes cooperation between the cultural and health sectors, with the aim of demonstrating the positive impact of the arts on the well-being of individuals and communities.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, the project develops university courses, supports research projects, fosters ongoing dialogue through a dedicated website, and promotes in-depth initiatives such as conferences, forums and seminars. In this context, Cultura e Salute aims to become a reference point at the Swiss level in a rapidly evolving field.

Values and Vision

Clinical evidence and scientific and epidemiological studies demonstrate the value of arts and culture in improving cognitive and relational development, as well as physical and psychological well-being throughout the entire life course. As recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), arts and culture are a valuable ally in health promotion, disease prevention, management of chronic and degenerative conditions, rehabilitation and post-operative recovery, active ageing and social inclusion.

The Cultura e Salute project is based on the awareness that a closer alliance between fields once considered distant – such as culture and healthcare – can humanize care and its environments, improve individual and collective well-being, and significantly enhance quality of life.

Founders and Partners

Culture and Health is a partnership between the City of Lugano-Cultural Department and the IBSA Foundation, in collaboration with Fondazione Lugano per il Polo Culturale. Participants in the project: UBS, SUPSI and Farma Industria Ticino.

Supporters

Culture and Health aims to be a platform for cooperation that brings together institutions, organizations and businesses with the common goal of improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities through Culture.