Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences promotes cultural well-being in and through social and healthcare degree programs.
The topic is explored, for example, at the annual Landscape of Possibilities event, which enhances understanding about creativity and creative activities in relation to well-being promotion. Held at Metropolia’s Myllypuro campus, the event brings together around 500 students and professionals each year.
In a broad sense, cultural wellbeing refers to strengthening well-being in communities and societies by increasing opportunities for creativity- and arts-related activities. Metropolia’s goal is to deepen students’ expertise and understanding of holistic wellbeing of individuals and how to apply creative activities in client work across various fields.
“We aim to strengthen Metropolia’s leadership in promoting cultural well-being.”
“Future professionals are required to have creative problem-solving skills and the ability to recognize opportunities that others don’t yet notice. When it comes to increasing well-being, professional expertise will center around compassion, sensitivity and the ability to be fully present, applying knowledge and skills in a creative and holistic manner. This type of expertise in social and health care opens new possibilities for both individuals and communities. The resources that stem from creativity reach across all areas—from elderly care to daycare and supporting those struggling with illness” says Laura Huhtinen-Hildén, reseacher and principal lecturer in Cultural Well-being and Music Pedagogy.
Camilla Vesterinen, a student in the Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Applied Gerontology at Metropolia University, believes that creative approaches are essential in the health and social care field, both for effective work practices and occupational well-being. “Creativity doesn’t require special skills; it’s something inherent in everyone. It can be applied in various situations and has positive effects on well-being,” she explains. She adds, “Without well-being, it can be challenging to find imagination or be creative.”
Metropolia engages in diverse efforts to promote cultural well-being in society
Socially sustainable lifestyles are built on intangible resources and experiences of meaningfulness. Cultural well-being emerges when space is given for creativity, artistic activities, and self-expression in daily life, which fosters a sense of community and belonging. Strengthening trust and cohesion among people helps prevent social exclusion and promotes a healthier society.
At Metropolia, efforts to promote cultural well-being are driven by CuWeRE, the Cultural Well-Being Research and Education Centre, established in partnership with the University of Jyväskylä. CuWeRE aims to deepen transdisciplinary understanding of cultural well-being research through international collaborations and to develop education informed by this expertise. At Metropolia, CuWeRE is part of the Future Proof Health and Well-Being innovation hub. Metropolia’s RDI (Research, Development, and Innovation) activities are dedicated to advancing societal progress through high-quality research and innovation.
Landscapes of Possibilities event 2024 as an example
The 2024 Landscapes of Possibilities event provided valuable research insights, practical applications, and experiences related to creativity. Professionals and students from various fields participated in the event, which covered topics such as everyday creativity, fostering and recognizing a creative approach to work, utilizing imagination and emotional skills in the workplace, and exploring the significance of creativity for well-being and social inclusion. Discussions also addressed whether creativity could enhance the appeal of working life and how to ensure access to and retention in the social and healthcare sectors for professionals with diverse abilities, skills, and resilience.
In addition to keynote speeches and panel discussions, students and professionals expanded their understanding of creativity, imagination, and well-being through workshops on a variety of topics, ranging from escape games and drama-, visual arts- and music-based creation to embodiment-related exercises. Promoting equity was a key theme of the day, as demonstrated in workshops focused on inclusive audience engagement by orchestras.
Main photo: Panel chair Johanna Niemi (CuWeRE, left), doctoral researcher Heini Siltainsuu (University of Jyväskylä), actor Betadi Mandunga, and associate professor Toni Haapa (HUS) engaged in a panel discussion titled “Where do creative ideas come from?” during the Landscapes of Possibilities event on October 2, 2024. Photo: Mira Haataja.