Art and Mental Health Conference 2026

Art prevention / human flourishing / biological prosperity

The 2026 conference explores how art and active participation in artistic activities support mental health, quality of life, and overall human flourishing. Human flourishing is understood as the capacity of individuals and communities to develop their potential, create meaningful relationships, participate in social and cultural life, and lead fulfilling lives.

The conference is aimed at representatives of cultural and educational institutions, librarians, therapists, artists, educators, students of art and medical fields, and individuals interested in art-based prevention.

Organized by the Benedikt Rejt Gallery in Louny in collaboration with the Centre for Advanced Brain and Consciousness Studies at the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Library of the Czech Republic, with financial support from the Ústí Region and the Council of Galleries of the Czech Republic.

Thursday, October 15, 2026 - Prague

9:00-10:00 Registration and refreshments

10:00-10:30 Conference opening
MgA. Kateřina Melenová, PhDr. Lucie Barvínek Šiklová, Ph.D., Mgr. Dominika Grygarová, Ph.D., Mgr. Martina Košanová
Benedict Rejt Gallery in Louny • National Institute of Mental Health • National Library of the Czech Republic

10:30-11:00 Art and culture as mental health infrastructure: from subtle interventions to art on prescription
Mgr. Dominika Grygarová, Ph.D. - National Institute of Mental Health

11:00-11:30 Museum as a space for good living: art, environment and human flourishing in the Health Museum concept
Mgr. Zuzana Ivanov - Regional Museum Olomouc

11:30-12:00 uMĚNÍM Platform: systematic linking of culture and education / School Dances and Move IN: creative movement as a wellbeing tool
Mgr. Marie Pánková, Bc. Eva Papánková - Platform for Creative Learning uMĚNÍM

12:00-13:00 Movement Styles and Cultural Difference
Thania Acarón, Ph.D. - keynote speaker, The Body Hotel C.I.C • University of South Wales
Presentation in English with interpretation into Czech.

13:00-14:00 Lunch break and refreshments