Abstract

Art interventions and community art in healthcare construct cultural well-being. This study is part of an art-based action research fostering artists’ positions in the health and well-being sector. Two artists facilitated art activities for twenty-one staff representatives in three different care institutions in Finland to enhance work satisfaction and well-being. Research data includes a research diary, notes from art interventions, and interviews with organization managers (N = 3). This article is framed around the planning phase of designing art activities for care institution staff communities. The findings indicate that co-design is the best practice, and artists, managers, and stakeholders should invest time and resources in the co-design phase of art interventions. At the same time, collaboration partners have various motives and expectations for art interventions. Enabling a sustainable and genuine artistic process through co-design requires time, resources, and shared values. Artists must facilitate co-design with stakeholders to achieve effective and creative artistic processes in social and healthcare institutions. The action research approach supports its co-design and development.