Italy signs protocol to prescribe art as therapy

On February 5, 2026, the Italian Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Health signed a protocol to prescribe art as a medical treatment. The agreement was ratified at the State-Regions Conference. Undersecretary of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni stated that culture is a living resource that improves individual well-being, with proven effects on quality of life. A technical committee will survey existing initiatives to build replicable models. The model follows the UK, where University College of London studies showed a 37% reduction in GP consultations and 27% fewer hospital admissions from museum art therapy, with a return of £4–11 per £1 invested. Italy's 2026 budget established a Therapeutic Culture and Social Care Fund with €1 million annually to support local entities, third-sector organizations, and associations that use performing arts and cultural heritage as therapeutic tools for people with disabilities or social marginalization. This builds on WHO research indicating that active or passive cultural participation promotes healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. In late 2025, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Research at the University of Verona released results from the MINERVA project with Palazzo Maffei, showing significant improvements in psychological well-being and reduction in anxiety-depressive symptoms from museum experiences.