“When you say ‘vulnerable people’, you’re talking about all of us”

culture & care 2026
Jente Waerzeggers
Interview with Lien De Keukelaere (LEF. Leuven Events & Festivals) about the impact of her conference on culture & care

All over the world, culture and care are under pressure. A government that wants to save money cuts back on these sectors first. That's quite bizarre, because everyone agrees that art and care are cornerstones of society.

Both sectors therefore have a significant impact on our lives. Is that also necessarily the case with a conference that brings both domains together? We asked Lien De Keukelaere, the driving force behind ‘Culture & Care: A Joint Call for Change’. This conference, which took place in Leuven at the end of February 2026, examines how the combination of culture and care can help people and communities flourish.

Pressure on healthcare, from COVID to today

"There is a growing awareness that experiencing or practising art has a positive impact on health" says Lien, General Coordinator of LEF. Leuven Events & Festivals. "COVID was a major game changer in that awareness. During this difficult period, many people struggled with mental pressure. They realised first-hand that cultural activities – such as singing in a choir, going to a rock concert, visiting a museum or exhibition, and drawing or painting – can be beneficial. Scientific research confirms this: experiencing art, both collectively and individually, has a positive impact on our brain and well-being.

Covid is now behind us, but we are once again in the midst of a period of pressure. People are inundated with harsh messages, both on a global scale and within their own communities. We are confronted with ageing, loneliness and other mental health issues. Just as during Covid, this is putting pressure on the healthcare sector. If you have a mental health problem, you end up on a waiting list. This is a structural problem that cannot be solved with medication."

Lien De Keukelaere
Jente Waerzeggers

Lien De Keukelaere

Healing in the museum or a heritage gem

"That is why our conference is focusing on the question: how can we organise care differently and bring it into the heart of our society, and how can art and culture contribute to this? We want to break out of the box of therapy and doctor's visits, to improve people's well-being through an artistic experience.

A good example of this is “Arts on Prescription”. GPs, psychologists and community workers often see people with recurring problems that are difficult to treat. Think of loneliness, not finding your way, not finding your place.

Arts on Prescription provides a programme in which these people can engage with art in museums or other cultural institutions, under the guidance of someone who is trained for this purpose. The aim is to increase their self-esteem and build social contacts. These people are thus taken out of a care context, but still find themselves in the safe environment of a museum or heritage institution. Research proves its positive effect on mild mental health issues."

culture & care 2026
Jente Waerzeggers

The intended impact: being a particle accelerator

"Our conference brings together players from the healthcare and cultural sectors to promote cross-fertilisation between them. Because that is precisely the impact we are aiming for: being a particle accelerator that initiates and accelerates processes relating to culture and healthcare.

We see that society is really ready for this. To give an example: in Flanders, both culture and welfare fall under the responsibility of the same minister, who also spoke at our conference. The minister is convinced that culture is invaluable in terms of well-being.

The importance of this cannot be underestimated. After all, policy must create the framework within which people in the field do their work. Policy and practice must be communicating vessels, and with our conference we stimulate the flow between both vessels."

culture & care 2026
Jente Waerzeggers

A conference with impact even before it starts

"And that approach works. Even before our conference took place, we noticed its impact. The conference got things moving, for example around the embedding of “Arts on Prescription” in Leuven. We effectively bring all the parties involved together and help to convince them of the added value of participating in culture.

This is great news for a society under pressure. More people are being encouraged to work at the intersection of art and care. More resources are being made available for initiatives that focus on art therapy and art appreciation in a care context.

In this way, we are creating a range of programmes for vulnerable people that bring culture and care together. And when we say ‘vulnerable people,’ we’re talking about all of us. We all go through periods in our lives when we are vulnerable. Ultimately, therefore, it benefits everyone in society. And that is where our impact really lies," concludes Lien De Keukelaere.

culture & care 2026
Jente Waerzeggers

"Never forget the “why” of your conference"

Tip from Lien De Keukelaere for maximising the impact of your conference

"Anyone organising a conference must first ask themselves the “why” question. Why are you holding this conference, in this place, at this time? It is important to think about this and then build your programme, operation and organisation around the answer. And, crucially, to map out the path after the conference.

This creates a mobilising mission that ensures your conference is not just a snapshot in time, but has long-term significance. In other words, your conference creates impact.

Our “why” was: to use our conference to ensure that the structural integration of culture and care becomes self-evident and embedded in our society. This is not just a story for politicians, arts professionals and care experts, but for society as a whole. The conference is not an end in itself, but a means to make that “why” possible."

Team Flanders Conventionbureau

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