Arts in Health
The emerging field of arts in health
Healthcare systems are increasingly unable to keep up with the rising costs and complexity of treatment and care. The traditional reliance upon technological innovation, high efficiency, and treatment-at-any-cost are driving health systems to the point of collapse. The very definitions of health, prevention, and well-being are being reconsidered, and new approaches must be found to humanise healthcare for both patients and staff, and to support disease prevention in our communities. The field of arts in health provides an innovative approach to supporting care, well-being, and to encourage healthy living.
What is the benefit of arts in health?
Over thirty years of scientific research shows how the arts can be used to:
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Improve the healthcare experience of patients, staff, and people in long-term care.
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Help prevent compassion fatigue and burnout among health professionals.
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Encourage healthy living and disease prevention at home and in the community.
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Provide innovative approaches to care, and to educating healthcare professionals.
Arts in health professionals use painting, drawing, expressive movement, music, creative writing, indeed any artform, to augment care and support well-being in hospitals, long-term facilities, and communities.
What can you expect from the summer school?
The summer school has two modes of learning: In lecture/discussions students are introduced to the field’s science, and in hands-on workshops they experience the actual practice of arts in health. Our instructors include scholars, healthcare professionals, and experienced arts in health practitioners. Some preparatory background reading is required, and will be provided.
The summer school will be of interest to people from fields as diverse as medicine, the arts, long-term care, psychology, community health, spiritual care, ethics, and others.
We welcome applications from current or prospective students. We also encourage working professionals to apply.
Practical information
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Dates
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29 June - 3 July 2026
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Location
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Groningen, the Netherlands
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Level
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BA/MA/PhD/Postdoc/Practitioners |
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Fees
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€ 650
The tuition fee does not include accommodation. Students must make their own housing arrangements. However, upon acceptance to the summer school a list of recommendations will be provided, some of which include discounts for our students.
A limited number of scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition are available. If your financial situation makes it impossible for you to attend the summer school, send a message to artsinhealth@rug.nl with a subject heading of "scholarship application". Provide a statement of your situation and need.
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Academic coordinators
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Ferdinand Lewis - Director of Science & Education, Aletta Jacobs School for Public Health |
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Contact |
Liza van Eijck - Programme Assistant artsinhealth@rug.nl
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Requirements
Who is this summer school for?
Arts in health is a transdisciplinary field, which is why this summer school was designed for both students and practitioners of various backgrounds. The course might be of particular interest to those with a background as health professions, in the arts, public administration, medical humanities, cultural policy, health policy, ethics, and spiritual care.
It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English.
Course schedule
Overview of topics and learning approach
Lecture and discussions
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Arts in health in hospitals
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Arts in health in long-term care
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Arts in health in the community
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Theoretical background and implications of the societal transitions in healthcare.
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Ethical issues in arts in health.
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The professions and sectors that involve arts in health; where the field is found, and how professions adapt it to their work.
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Professional distance; listening and attention; affect, transference and counter-transference.
Practical workshops
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Making safe space for participants
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Finding and sharing your own inspiration; helping others find theirs.
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Self-care
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Making art with non-artists; making a safe space for participation.
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Operating in care environments; interacting with staff and caregivers
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Documenting your work
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Finding your way as a professional
The summer school will run from Monday to Friday between 9.00 and 17.00.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
After this course you should understand:
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How scientific evidence is used to support the practice of arts in health.
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The organisational frameworks and institutions that support arts in health programs.
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How the arts provide practical care for vulnerable people, and support illness prevention.
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How artists activate creativity among non-artists.
Proof of competence
Participants who successfully complete the summer school (including the assessments) have the possibility to obtain a Proof of Competence (digital credential) to acknowledge participation and engagement with the content. Participants who qualify for a Proof of Competence can obtain a digital badge via the EduBadges platform managed by SURF— the cooperative of Dutch education and research institutions. The digital badge is stored on this platform and contains metadata, making the content, learning outcomes, study load hours and language of instruction of the educational activity clear and transparent. The digital badge is therefore verifiable and can be shared on, for example, a CV or LinkedIn.
Application procedure
How to apply?
To apply, kindly fill out the online application form. Please note that you will be asked to upload the following documents:
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Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
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Motivation letter, clearly stating why you want to join this summer school, what you will bring to the school and what you hope to learn (max. 1 page)
The application deadline is 6 May 2026 (23.59). The applicants will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by 13 May 2026.
