Cultural sites as an integral part of physical, psychological, and social well-being. This is the underlying premise of *Well-Being Is a Work of Art*, a cultural welfare project presented at the National Archaeological Museum of Paestum by the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia. The initiative proposes a redefinition of the role of cultural heritage, conceived as an active space capable of fostering relationships, promoting inclusion, and contributing to the quality of life in communities.
The project falls within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Health, which recognizes culture as a complementary component to healthcare and health promotion programs. With this in mind, the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia intend to develop a permanent local workshop based on dialogue among cultural institutions, the healthcare system, universities, associations, and the nonprofit sector.
The program consists of a series of activities that address the theme of well-being from different perspectives, united by the idea that cultural heritage can serve as a tool for prevention, inclusion, and care. Among the first initiatives is “Musei in Salute,” developed in collaboration with ICOM Campania, which aims to build a regional network among museums, universities, and the Campania Region’s healthcare system. The project seeks to test innovative practices grounded in scientific evidence, with the goal of transforming them into models applicable to public policy.
Alongside the research component, the project also takes place within the parks, where the archaeological heritage becomes a space for practices related to mental and physical well-being. The two UNESCO sites host “Il Respiro dei Templi – Pilates and Classical Harmony,” an initiative organized by ASD The Authentic Pilates Italia, which offers physical activity sessions set against the backdrop of the archaeological landscape. This is complemented by “Archeologia in Movimento,” organized by the Moto Perpetuo ODV Association, which integrates the practice of Tai Ji Quan with opportunities to explore the heritage, with a particular focus on people with cognitive decline and their caregivers.
The project also addresses the relational and emotional dimensions of well-being. With the support of the Il Tulipano Cooperative, initiatives have been developed that focus on memory, participation, and inclusion. “Traces of Memory” offers older adults a journey of personal storytelling through engagement with artifacts and testimonies from the past, transforming the archaeological experience into an opportunity for dialogue and sharing. “Paestum Viva,” in line with the principles of the Faro Convention, engages different generations in participatory and multisensory activities, strengthening the bond between the community and cultural heritage.
As part of our accessibility initiatives, we also plan to produce guides in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Easy-to-Read formats, with the goal of making visits to the parks more inclusive through simplified language, symbols, and images. The initiative also extends to those who cannot physically access cultural sites. The “Art that Heals” project, carried out in collaboration with the Il Tulipano Cooperative and the “Nasi Rossi Clown Therapy” non-profit organization, brings cultural heritage into hospitals, nursing homes, and psychological and psychiatric rehabilitation centers to provide comfort and emotional support.
Another initiative, “Paestum and Velia Bring Color to Your Life,” organized by Masaniello Tourist Travel SRLS, is aimed specifically at young people and offers pathways for personal growth through storytelling, public speaking, and group discussions. The goal is to foster awareness and active participation in cultural heritage.
The project is based on a structured network of partnerships formalized through a memorandum of understanding involving, in addition to the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia, ICOM Campania, Cooperativa Il Tulipano, the Nasi Rossi Clown Therapy ONLUS Association, Masaniello Tourist Travel SRLS, Moto Perpetuo ODV, and ASD The Authentic Pilates Italia. These various organizations pool their scientific, healthcare, educational, and social expertise to build an integrated model of cultural welfare.
“With *Il Benessere è un’opera d’arte*, the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia are taking another step toward viewing cultural heritage as a powerful therapeutic resource,” states Director Tiziana D’Angelo. “Cultural sites must not limit themselves to preserving the past, but must engage with communities, understand their needs, and promote individual and collective health and well-being. This project was launched precisely with the ambition of building, together with our partners, a permanent local laboratory for cultural welfare that can become a model replicable in other contexts.”
“With ‘Musei in Salute,’ ICOM Campania is promoting an initiative that stems from the intersection of cultural heritage, scientific research, and health,” says Alessandra Drioli, Coordinator of the Campania Chapter of ICOM Italy. “The project views the museum as an ecosystem of relationships, capable of contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities through innovative models of cultural welfare, fostering new alliances between cultural institutions, the research community, and the social and healthcare system, with a view toward an integrated approach inspired by the principles of One Health.”
“Through the project proposals and our adherence to the memorandum of understanding,” comments Giovanni Minucci, Director of the Il Tulipano Cooperative, “we intend to contribute to co-design so that Beauty may be a source of individual and community well-being, helping to make the Archaeological Parks of Paestum and Velia places of participation and active citizenship for the rediscovery of personal and community identities, starting with the Individual and their Uniqueness.”
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| In Paestum, cultural heritage becomes social welfare: the project “Well-Being Is a Work of Art” is launched |
The author of this article: Noemi Capoccia
Originaria di Lecce, classe 1995, ha conseguito la laurea presso l'Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara nel 2021. Le sue passioni sono l'arte antica e l'archeologia. Dal 2024 lavora in Finestre sull'Arte.Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.
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