The Croatian Association of Fine Artists is leading a new European project titled “Healing Nature – Animation for Health and Well-being in Children Hospital Environments”, which will be implemented in partnership with Universidade Lusófona / Cofac from Portugal and New Bulgarian University from Bulgaria.

This innovative project, authored by Dr. Melinda Šefčić and Dr. Lea Vidaković, is an outstanding example of Croatia’s success in conceptualizing and executing artistic-research initiatives aimed at the aestheticization and artistic revitalization of spaces, particularly hospital environments. The project emphasizes the transformation of traditionally sterile hospital spaces into aesthetically enriched and inspiring environments that positively impact all users – patients, healthcare staff, and visitors.

The central idea of the project relies on a holistic approach to healing, recognizing art and culture as key elements in promoting mental, spiritual, and physical health. At the European level, the project supports interdisciplinary research on the impact of art on the well-being of individuals and communities, with a particular focus on inclusivity and sustainability.

Moreover, “Healing Nature” contributes to raising awareness about the critical role of culture and art in improving quality of life and promotes art as an integral part of healthcare strategies. By implementing the project, not only is the visual identity of hospital spaces transformed, but collaboration between artists, healthcare professionals, and the local community is fostered, creating inclusive environments that cater to the needs of all users.

Innovative Approaches and Objectives of the Project

While most artworks in hospitals consist of traditional murals, paintings, or sculptures, this project introduces contemporary interactive works and animations into children’s hospital waiting areas. The goal is to create an innovative experience using augmented reality (AR), which will provide a pleasant, calming, and distracting environment for children, encouraging interaction and communication. The project builds on the success of two previously implemented pilot projects by Dr. Melinda Šefčić and Dr. Lea Vidaković at Zagreb University Hospital Center: “Digital Fauna” (2021) and “Animated Forest World in Hospital Space” (2023).

A key aspect of innovation is the use of the SCREENless format – a sustainable, low-cost approach that combines murals with digital animation elements within augmented reality. These layered interactive experiences are designed to encourage children to play and explore the space, rather than passively consuming content.

The project promotes the sensory quality of handcrafted techniques, enriched by contemporary technologies, merging digital animation with real-world elements. The aim is to advance social inclusion through the public hospital system and educate the community through creative workshops dedicated to nature, art, animation, and technology.

Research Component and Expected Results

The project includes systematic research through questionnaires for patients, visitors, and healthcare staff to analyze the impact of artistic interventions on the everyday hospital experience. The project findings will be documented in a digital booklet, which will be available in all partner countries and on the project’s website upon completion.

“Healing Nature” is not just an artistic project – it is a vision of humanizing hospital spaces by combining traditional artistic values and modern technological innovations, setting new benchmarks for future projects on a global scale.

The project includes:

• 3 murals in hospitals in Croatia, Bulgaria, and Portugal;
• 3 augmented reality experiences in hospitals in Croatia, Bulgaria, and Portugal;
• 6 workshops with children;
• 1 study on the impact of such content on patients and hospital staff;
• 1 digital booklet presenting the results;
• 3 press conferences to showcase the project outcomes.

 

Project Partners: Universidade Lusófona / Cofac, Portugal, and New Bulgarian University, Bulgaria.

The European Commission has recognized the importance of this project and supported the two-year project with 199,189.30 EUR, with the first activities starting in 2025.

The value of HDLU’s engagement in the Healing Nature project amounts to 99,223.66 EUR, of which 80% is funded by EU resources, with additional financial support from the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Republic of Croatia.

 

Within the project:

Co-funded by the European Union – CREA-CULT-2024-COOP. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.

[Project Number: 101173267]

The views expressed in this release are the sole responsibility of the Croatian Association of Fine Artists and do not necessarily reflect the stance of the Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Republic of Croatia.