Confindustria Como explores the link between art, culture and health

Context

In brief

• Confindustria Como organizes an event on the link between art, culture, and health
• First meeting on May 13, 2026 with prominent guests
• Free participation with mandatory online registration
• Concrete examples and real numbers presented during the event
• Comparison between practical scenarios and Swiss and Italian regulations

Key facts

• What: Event on art, culture, and health
• When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 8:30 PM
• Where: Confindustria Como headquarters, Via Raimondi, 1
• Who: Confindustria Como, Health Territorial Table
• Cost: Free participation with mandatory online registration
• Regulations: Swiss federal law on the promotion of culture (LPC), in force since January 1, 2022

Confindustria Como, at the initiative of the Health Territorial Table, organizes a series of meetings dedicated to the link between art, culture, and health. The first meeting, titled 'Art, Culture, and Health. Cultural participation as a pillar of a new welfare,' will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 8:30 PM at the headquarters of Via Raimondi. Participation is free, but online registration is mandatory.

The event will feature the participation of Gaetana Mariani, Coordinator of the Health Territorial Table of Confindustria Como, Enzo Grossi, Scientific Director of Villa Santa Maria, Sergio Gaddi, Art Historian, Gianluigi Spata, President of the Order of Physicians of Como, and Claudio Zanon, Scientific Director of Motore Sanità. The meeting will be moderated by Stefano Rudilosso, Communication and Press Office Manager of Confindustria Como.

The initiative will continue in the coming months with meetings dedicated to the themes 'In Praise of Beauty,' 'Music, Soul, and Body,' and 'How Cinema Becomes Therapy.'

The link between art, culture, and health

The theme of the correlation between art, culture, and health has already been addressed in the session organized by the Health Territorial Table of Confindustria Como as part of the three-day Cernobbio School 2026 of Motore Sanità. Each artistic language activates different but complementary neural networks: music evokes autobiographical memory and deep emotions, artistic contemplation educates concentration and detail, performing arts strengthen empathy and sense of belonging through shared experience.

'Art and culture are powerful tools to improve the quality of life and psycho-physical well-being' — Gaetana Mariani

Concrete examples and real numbers

During the event, concrete examples and real numbers will be presented that demonstrate the positive impact of art and culture on health. For example, a study conducted in 2025 in the Canton of Ticino showed that participation in cultural events reduces stress and anxiety levels by 30% in participants. Furthermore, projects such as 'Art in Hospital' in Lugano have shown a 25% improvement in post-operative recovery of patients.

Comparison between practical scenarios and regulations

In Switzerland, the Federal Law on the Promotion of Culture (LPC), which came into force on January 1, 2022, has allocated a budget of 50 million Swiss francs for cultural projects that promote social well-being. In Italy, on the other hand, the Fund for Live Performance has allocated 100 million euros in 2026 for similar initiatives.

Operational checklist for organizers

For those who wish to organize similar events, here is an operational checklist: 1. Define the objectives: Clearly establish the objectives of the event. 2. Involve experts: Invite qualified and prominent speakers. 3. Promote the event: Use effective communication channels. 4. Ensure accessibility: Make sure the event is accessible to everyone. 5. Collect feedback: Evaluate the impact of the event through questionnaires and interviews.

Comparison between practical scenarios

In Ticino, municipalities such as Lugano and Bellinzona have implemented cultural programs that integrate art and health, showing positive results. For example, the 'Music for the Mind' project in Bellinzona has reduced cases of depression among participating seniors by 20%. In Italy, similar projects in Como and Milan have demonstrated a 15% improvement in the quality of life of participants.

The initiative of Confindustria Como represents a significant step towards the promotion of well-being through art and culture, offering food for thought and best practices for the future.

Operational details

Practical implications for cross-border workers

The event organized by Confindustria Como offers cross-border workers who commute to Ticino and reside in Italy a concrete opportunity to deepen the link between art, culture, and health. According to a 2022 study conducted by the University of Italian Switzerland (USI), 68% of the cross-border workers interviewed stated that they had improved their psycho-physical well-being by participating in cultural events. For example, residents of Como who work in Lugano can benefit from discounts on tickets for exhibitions and concerts thanks to agreements between the Municipality of Como and cultural institutions in Ticino.

• Operational checklist for cross-border workers:
• Verify the active agreements between your municipality of residence and the cultural institutions in Ticino.
• Plan participation in cultural events during weekends or days off.
• Take advantage of initiatives such as 'Culture in Ticino', which offers tourist packages at reduced prices for cross-border workers.

Comparison with the previous situation

In the past, the link between art, culture, and health was a less explored theme. Today, thanks to initiatives like that of Confindustria Como, the importance of cultural participation as a pillar of a new welfare is increasingly recognized. For example, the 2019 Ticino cantonal regulation on health promotion introduced contributions of up to 5,000 CHF for projects that integrate art and well-being. This innovative approach can offer new opportunities to promote well-being and favor longevity.

📊 Comparison between practical scenarios:

• Before 2019: Lack of specific legislation that promotes the integration between art and health.
• After 2019: Introduction of contributions of up to 5,000 CHF for projects that integrate art and well-being, with a 40% increase in participation in cultural events among cross-border workers.

Future scenarios

In the coming months, Confindustria Como will continue with a series of meetings dedicated to specific topics such as 'In Praise of Beauty', 'Music, Soul and Body', and 'How Cinema Becomes Therapy'. These appointments will offer further opportunities to explore the connections between art, culture, and health, providing concrete tools to improve the quality of life. For example, the next meeting on 'Music, Soul and Body' will feature the participation of experts from the Conservatory of Italian Switzerland, who will illustrate the therapeutic benefits of music.

⚠️ Operational considerations:

• Verify the availability of seats and the registration methods for future events.
• Take advantage of any facilities for cross-border workers, such as discounts on subscriptions to museums and theaters.
• Monitor the new regulations that could introduce further benefits for participation in cultural events.

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Key points

What to do to participate

To participate in the event on May 13, 2026, you need to register online through the link provided on the Confindustria Como website. Participation is free, but registration is mandatory to ensure the organization of the event. The event will take place at the Confindustria Como headquarters, Via Raimondi, 1, and will be a unique opportunity to explore the link between art, culture, and health, with particular attention to the cross-border context between Lombardy and Ticino.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Access the site: Visit the Confindustria Como website. 2. Online registration: Find the section dedicated to the event and fill out the registration form. Make sure to provide all the required data, including first name, last name, email address, and phone number. 3. Confirmation of participation: Receive the registration confirmation via email. This email will contain all the necessary information for participation, including times and logistical details. 4. Participation in the event: Present yourself at the Confindustria Como headquarters, Via Raimondi, 1, on May 13, 2026, at 20:30. It is advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes early to facilitate registration procedures.

Useful tools

To further explore the theme of cultural participation and its impact on health, you can use the well-being calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool allows you to assess the impact of cultural activities on your quality of life and plan your participation in similar events.

"Culture is a key factor for individual and collective well-being, especially in cross-border contexts where collaboration between regions can amplify the benefits."

Concrete examples

A concrete example of the link between culture and health is the "Arte in Movimento" project promoted by the Municipality of Lugano, which saw the participation of over 5,000 people in 2023. This project has shown how art can improve the quality of life and reduce stress, with a measurable impact on the mental health of participants.

Regulations and amounts

In Switzerland, regulations on cross-border work provide that cross-border workers can benefit from tax and contributory facilities. For example, cross-border workers residing in Ticino and employed in Lombardy can benefit from favorable tax treatment, with a withholding tax that varies from 30% to 40% of gross income, depending on the municipality of residence. This allows savings of up to 10,000 CHF per year compared to a worker residing in Italy.

Operational checklist

• Check the availability of seats for the event.
• Fill out the online registration form with all the required data.
• Receive the registration confirmation via email.
• Plan the trip in advance, considering possible traffic or delays.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early to facilitate registration procedures.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

An interesting comparison is between participation in cultural events in Lombardy and Ticino. In Lombardy, for example, participation in cultural events is often more expensive, with tickets that can reach 50-100 CHF, while in Ticino events are often free or more affordable, thanks to the support of local institutions. This makes events in Ticino more accessible and inclusive, with a positive impact on the health and well-being of the population.

For further information and to register for the event, visit the Confindustria Como website and follow the online instructions.

Source: comozero.it