Upcoming Events
Stay connected with the latest arts in health events in the Netherlands, and contribute to the growth of the field! This agenda features upcoming conferences, workshops, and (international) online events. We update this list regularly with new opportunities to engage, learn and collaborate. The agenda focuses mainly on events in the Netherlands, so if you want to also keep an eye on opportunities around Europe, you can check out the CultureAndHealth Platform. For global events, see the overview by the Jameel Arts & Health Lab.
Are you organizing an arts in health event or know of one we should include? We’d love to hear from you, simply fill out this form. We are always on the lookout for new arts in health events to share in this agenda.
Autumn 2025 – 2026 | Performance: Momentum by Inclusive Dance Company Leefmeesters | Various Theatres in the Netherlands
The inclusive dance company Leefmeesters from Leeuwarden, part of Dans op Recept, creates performances around social themes such as living with a chronic condition. Their new production Momentum places the dancers’ personal stories at the heart of the performance. It explores choices, movement, and the single moment when everything changes, inviting the audience to pause and reflect on their own path.
November 11, 2025 | Art Impact Day 2025 | Enschede
A day of connection between care, wellbeing and culture. During the workshops and lectures, attention will be paid to how collaboration in Enschede takes shape and what it yields. This year’s theme is: Care + Art of the Future. A fantastic programme that makes impact visible, especially for professionals in healthcare, welfare and the cultural sector! Registration will be open until November 6th.
November 13, 2025 | Learning Community on Youth Mental Health – Prevention | Utrecht
As part of the European programme MindCare, LKCA and the German organisation BKJ are hosting a learning community focused on youth mental health and prevention. The meeting is aimed at arts professionals and organisations working with young people aged 14 to 18. Together, participants will explore how cultural education can strengthen mental resilience, support a positive self-image, and help young people manage stress and emotions.
November 13, 2025 | How do we bridge the gap between art, music and healthcare? | Clubzaal, ’s-Hertogenbosch
During a panel discussion at the New Music Conference, experts from the fields of art, music and healthcare explore the growing overlap between these domains. Creative initiatives such as Stem & Luister by the Genetic Choir and Zingen in de Zorg by Maartje de Lint are spreading across the Netherlands. Researchers from Rotterdam, Groningen and elsewhere are working to make art a natural part of healthcare. Yet, art, healthcare and local authorities often speak different languages, and many initiatives still depend on short-term funding. How can we ensure structural support for artistic collaborations that strengthen care and community?
November 20, 2025 | Art and Culture in the Social Domain | Hoogeveen
During this inspiring afternoon, participants will discuss how the people of Drenthe can benefit from art and culture. The pressure on healthcare is growing. Together, participants will look for ways to promote everyone’s wellbeing. To support a positive view of health, where patients are more than patients, small and large creative and cultural projects play an invaluable role. The afternoon will include workshops, meetings, examples of practices, and opportunities for collaboration.
November 20–22, 2025 | International Symposium Culture as a Commons | Bolzano, Italy
How can cultural institutions and initiatives translate their social responsibility into lasting impact amid accelerating ecological, social and political change? During this three-day symposium, organisations and scholars from Italy and the Netherlands reflect on the social responsibilities of cultural work. Representatives from Arts in Health Netherlands will discuss the roles and responsibilities of the arts in the Dutch healthcare transition, and reflect on the development of the arts in health field across the EU.
December 2, 2025 | Cultural Education at the MBO | Amsterdam
All adolescents can benefit from experiences with arts and culture. To promote this, Plein C supports MBO teachers, educational and cultural institutions in offering accessible cultural education. The event includes two workshops on Arts in Care – Action Research with Students, highlighting art interventions at Cordaan, such as music for older adults. The sessions explore how students from arts and healthcare programmes collaborate creatively in care settings and reflect on what these experiences teach them about care and connection. Participants will exchange ideas and lessons learned from practice. Sign up now!
December 9, 2025 | Knowledge Exchange Afternoon ‘Samen Leven in je Buurt’ | Amsterdam
How can arts and culture contribute to a resilient, connected and liveable neighbourhood? During the knowledge exchange afternoon Samen Leven in je Buurt, participants explore how collaboration between the social domain and the arts and culture sector can strengthen what connects people. The event offers space to share practical experiences, discuss added value and challenges, and exchange knowledge and methods. It will also address talent development, social cohesion and community resilience. The event is organised by Leven in je Buurt!, a collaboration between PRA Muziektheater, social organisation Dynamo, and BOOST, a meeting place for newcomers in Amsterdam.
February 26-27, 2026| Conference Culture & Care: A Joint Call for Change | Leuven, Belgium
How can culture and care work together to build new ways of care that meet today’s complex social challenges? Leuven Culture & Care: A joint call for Change, a two-day European conference bringing together policymakers, experts, artists and practitioners at the intersection of culture and healthcare. The conference will be in English.
You can also contribute yourself via the Open Call – deadline December 5, 2025 – with your own lecture or workshop within one of these three themes:
1. Youth & mental health
2. Older adults & intergenerational initiatives
3. Community-based programs
March 3, 2026 | Art MADE Open – Traveling Exhibition | The Netherlands
How can art express what words often cannot? Art MADE Open explores the emotional realities of living with anxiety, depression or trauma through powerful visual art. In collaboration with the Open Mind Foundation, four art academies and experts by experience create a series of immersive installations inside shipping containers. Following its premiere on March 3, 2026, the exhibition will travel across the Netherlands for a year, visiting at least ten cities and several festivals.
