Well-Being in Museums and Cultural Spaces: From Individual Experiences to Societal Impact

June 14 — 15, 2027 | Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich

Cultural experiences enrich our lives in many different ways. They can inspire and challenge us, foster learning and reflection, create a sense of belonging, and contribute to individual and societal well-being. With the next Connected Audience Conference, we turn our attention to the role museums and cultural spaces play in shaping these experiences and their impact on people and society.

Well-being encompasses far more than physical and mental health. It also includes intellectual enrichment, social belonging and the feeling of being genuinely welcome. For museums and cultural institutions, this opens up new perspectives on their role as places that foster individual well-being while contributing to community cohesion, public value, and social impact.

Which cultural experiences are particularly effective in fostering well-being? How can cultural institutions become safe and welcoming spaces for diverse audiences, especially when they engage with sensitive or challenging topics? How can cultural institutions better understand the needs, motivations and aspirations of their audiences? What role do architecture, atmosphere, accessibility, and digital experiences play in shaping visitors’ well-being? Can these impacts be measured and communicated – and how can concepts such as public value, social impact, or wider economic benefits help demonstrate the value cultural institutions create? We invite researchers, practitioners, and cultural professionals from museums, theaters, libraries, archives, concert halls, and other cultural organizations to share perspectives, case studies, and critical reflections on the relationship between cultural participation, well-being, and societal impact.

Event Team

Institut für Kulturelle Teilhabeforschung, Berlin
Prof. Dr. John H. Falk & Prof. Dr. Lynn D. Dierking
Fachstelle für Museen und Kulturelle Teilhabe, München
Pinakothek der Moderne, München

Partners

Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Technik (HTW) Berlin
Fachhochschule Potsdam
Stiftung Zukunft Berlin
Kulturmanagement Network Weimar

More Information and the Call for Proposals coming soon