Academic Hospital of Montpellier

Art is a guarantee of mental health,” said Louise Bourgeois, a major artistic figure of the 20th century. Research over the past 20 years supports her statement, highlighting that engaging in artistic activities generates a wide range of benefits: promoting well-being, quality of life, physical and mental health, and social capital.
The program implemented two years ago offers patients suffering from depression an introduction to art and an opportunity to engage in creative artistic endeavors. Patients referred by the hospital service to MO.CO. participate in artistic practice workshops (visual arts, dance) specifically designed by invited artists, drawing inspiration from the contemporary art center’s programming. Groups of about a dozen participants, led by a professional artist, meet over a period of five weeks.