Pillar 2:
Ecological transition in the field of culture

Priority 13:
Taking creative climate action to improve health and wellbeing

In 2020, the city of Cluj-Napoca identified an increasing need to address mental health challenges and burnout, issues that had been present before but were significantly intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The crisis highlighted how prolonged stress, uncertainty, and social isolation were affecting the well-being of residents across different age groups and professional backgrounds. Recognising that emotional health is closely connected to social and cultural engagement, the city began exploring how the arts could play a meaningful role in promoting recovery and resilience.

As part of this effort, the Cluj Cultural Centre, working in close partnership with local health institutions and cultural organisations, launched Overcoming Burnout through Arts, a seven-week pilot programme aimed at supporting adults and young people experiencing burnout.

The initiative combined therapeutic and artistic approaches, offering creative workshops that encouraged self-reflection and emotional release.

Co-designed with participants to ensure relevance and accessibility, the sessions included theatre, music, dance, and visual arts activities designed to help participants express emotions, manage stress, and rebuild confidence.

Beyond individual benefits, the project also created a framework for dialogue between cultural and health professionals, showing how cross-sectoral cooperation can contribute to mental well-being.

The experience gathered through this pilot continues to inform future initiatives in Cluj-Napoca that integrate culture, community, and care as interconnected elements of urban well-being.