Participatory Artistic Interventions as Scenarios to Promote the Construction and Consolidation of Well-being in the University Community (PAIS)

General Overview

The PAIS project seeks to implement and evaluate an interdisciplinary Art Therapy and Artistic Mediation programme aimed at enhancing personal well-being and professional skills within the university community. The project involves artistic interventions at the University of Murcia, the University of Santiago de Compostela, the University of Birmingham, and Linnaeus University. These interventions will be evaluated to facilitate future research and to explore their potential for widespread adoption.

Purpose and Significance

The well-being of university communities is increasingly impacted by academic pressures and global challenges such as post-pandemic recovery, mass digitalisation, competitiveness, and burnout. To address these challenges, there is a growing need for innovative approaches that improve quality of life within academic spaces.

Creative therapies and artistic mediation offer non-verbal means of expression to support mental and emotional well-being. By exploring various artistic tools, these methods aim to inspire change, foster resilience, and reconnect university education with a broader purpose that extends beyond professional training.

Implementation Method and Timeline

December 2024 – February 2025:
Preparatory meetings between partner universities will be held. The University of Murcia, as the coordinating institution, will launch the programme in a hybrid format (both in-person and online), ensuring accessibility for all participants.

March – May 2025:

  • At the University of Murcia and the University of Birmingham, practical workshops and artistic installations will take place in public university spaces. These activities will focus on self-awareness and the development of emotional and social skills essential for students and faculty.
  • Linnaeus University will host interactive sessions and workshops on mediated art practices, emphasising mindfulness, self-reflection, and emotional expression.
  • At the University of Santiago de Compostela, participatory workshops using personal cartographies will be organised for students and teaching staff to foster artistic self-knowledge.

June – September 2025:
Data on the programme’s development and evolution will be collected. This phase will provide students with the opportunity to explore how the artistic tools used can integrate into their professional development across diverse fields of study.

September – December 2025:
The programme will be evaluated, and a preventive resource aimed at promoting a culture of democracy and inclusion within the university community will be published.

Expected Outcomes

The PAIS project aims to demonstrate the potential of art as a tool to enhance understanding, engagement, and well-being in the university community. It seeks to foster personal and professional growth, especially among disadvantaged groups, by strengthening community ties and encouraging civic and inclusive participation.

The training modules and materials developed will provide practical resources to help students and staff better navigate academic pressures and personal challenges. Additionally, the interdisciplinary network established through this project will serve as a powerful platform for the dissemination of transformative experiences across Europe.

Further information

Contact:

Mª Dolores López Martínez, University of Murcia