French regional initiatives use art to promote mental health

Various regional initiatives in France are utilizing art and culture to promote mental health awareness and prevention.

In Draguignan, the Psycolloque association, in partnership with the city, is hosting its fourth annual conference day on September 26. The event, titled ‘Where psychology meets art and culture’, features a multidisciplinary program including philosophers, artists, and clinical psychologists. Discussions will cover topics such as the influence of digital culture on adolescents, the role of art in psychological mechanisms, and the intersection of creation and care.

In the Villefranche Beaujolais Saône agglomeration, Mental Health Weeks are scheduled from October 5 to 18, 2026. This program aims to reduce stigma and increase awareness of local health structures through community engagement. Activities include forum theater for farmers, film screenings, and exhibitions. Specific highlights include a presentation of works created by workers with disabilities at ESAT Sol’Act and a youth-led art exhibition at the Villefranche town hall featuring photography and poetry.