ART4MENTAL, an international project promoting mental well-being by combining art, virtual reality technology and mental health practices, is looking for 20 artists from Europe and Ukraine to develop immersive art-therapy experiences.

The aim of ART4MENTAL is to develop innovative solutions that support mental well-being and offer new opportunities beyond conventional forms of therapy. Funded by the European Union, the project brings together partners from Estonia, Ukraine, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden. In Estonia, the project is implemented by TTK University of Applied Sciences.

Selected artists will receive sub-grants of up to €5 000, as well as opportunities to participate in international training programmes, an artistic residency in the Carpathians in Ukraine, a mentorship programme and international exhibitions. Applications are open until 11 November 2026.

Who can apply?

ART4MENTAL aims to select 20 professional artists, including at least 10 from Ukraine and at least one from each EU partner country.

The project welcomes artists who:

• are curious about the intersection of art, technology and healing;
• want to transform their artistic practice into evidence-based therapeutic tools;
• are open to collaborating with mental health professionals and social care specialists to effectively deliver immersive art-therapy practices;
• believe that art can be transformative for individuals and communities.

Applicants must be professional artists or members of a small artistic collective working in a creative discipline such as visual arts, digital arts, music, ceramics, performance art, new media or other related fields. Applicants must have a proven artistic practice demonstrated through a strong artistic portfolio. They must also be willing to actively participate in all mandatory project activities and be able to communicate and work effectively in English.

Applications from women artists, artists from underrepresented or vulnerable groups, and those with experience in community-based or socially engaged artistic practices are particularly encouraged.

What does ART4MENTAL offer artists?

In addition to sub-grants of up to €5 000, selected artists will:

• participate in international study visits and training programmes led by experts in art, mental health and immersive technologies;
• create VR and other immersive digital content with mentorship and technical guidance;
• transform their existing work into formats suitable for virtual reality;
• learn how to create 360° video content and use spatial audio, and prepare their content for use in therapeutic settings;
• participate in an artistic residency in the Carpathians in Ukraine to finalise their videos;
• showcase their work at a large-scale final exhibition in Poland;
• contribute to the use of the final videos in real therapy sessions with patients and community groups across partner countries.

Over 12 months, artists will develop the skills to create immersive art experiences aligned with trauma-sensitive care and Positive Art Requirement, while contributing to practical solutions that support mental well-being.

How to apply?

The ART4MENTAL open call consists of two stages.

• Stage 1: Online application. Applicants must submit an application form through the project’s official website, including an artistic portfolio, a short motivation letter, a CV and a signed declaration of honour.
  Application form: www.art4mental.com/application
  The application deadline is 11 November 2026 at 19:00 Estonian time (EET).

• Stage 2: Final interview. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 20–30-minute interview with the Selection Committee.

Full eligibility criteria and application guidelines are available in the Guide for Applicants. The selected artists will be announced in January 2027.