Introduction

Introduction

Research on the Sustainable Development Goals suggests that complex social problems call for integrated multi-sectoral solutions. Following this idea, the EU’s youth mental health crisis is considered a complex problem involving multiple sectors and calling for solutions that can operate across those sectors1. It is argued that health-focused arts programs have an established record of success in that regard. The analysis of the problem of intersectoral collaboration raised two main recommendations and a set of implementation strategies. The two appendixes offer examples of current EU cultural & creative programs that operate across multiple sectors.

How might cultural collaboration across sectors support youth mental health?

The World Health Organisation has argued that mental health should be seen as a complex continuum, integrated into a broader definition of health.2 An ecology of factors simultaneously determines mental health, including “...not only individual attributes (…) but also social, cultural, economic, political and environmental factors such as national policies, social protection, living standards, working conditions, and community social supports’.3 Given this complex of factors, interventions to support mental health must rely upon collaboration across sectors such as health, social protection, and education among others. It is suggested that culture and creativity should be considered for their strategic ability to operate across such sectors in support of health. The need for interdisciplinary, intersectoral collaboration is further supported by the theories that are redefining healthcare, education, and social support for youth in the 21st century: value-based healthcare, hybrid- and blended learning, and broad prosperity, for example – all suggest the need for intersectoral solutions.

The effectiveness of cultural & creative programmes in promoting health and well-being, prevention and treatments of mental disorders and illness as well as management of related-pathologic conditions is well-documented.4 Creative arts activities have been used to address youth issues such as trauma, bullying, depression, alienation, and lack of self-esteem. To do this, innovative health-focused arts and culture programmes had to move outside of their traditional theatres and museums, into collaboration with other sectors.5

1 European Commission (2022): Stormy Times. Nature and humans: Cultural courage for change. https://culture.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-experts-publish-proposals-to-harness-the-power-of-culture-for-sustainable-development 2 WHO (2022): World mental health report: transforming mental health for all. https://www.who.int/teams/mentalhealth-and-substance-use/world-mental-health-report. 3 WHO (2021): Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2030. Geneva: World Health Organization.https://www. who.int/publications/i/item/9789240031029 4 Fancourt, Daisy & Finn, Saoirse. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/329834. 5 Appendix B for examples of current EU programmes.