Raising mental health awareness through art in public spaces

25 August – 10 September 2025
Bacău, Romania

The WHO Country Office in Romania, in collaboration with the ZIDART Street Art Festival, is proud to support the creation of a new mural dedicated to raising awareness on and destigmatizing mental health issues.

Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being. Across the WHO European Region, including Romania, many people still face stigma, discrimination and barriers when accessing mental health services. By bringing this conversation into public spaces, the WHO Country Office in Romania seeks to foster dialogue, empathy and greater understanding in communities.

The mural, which will be displayed on the façade of a high school in Bacǎu, was developed by international artist Sbah within the ZIDART Street Art Festival framework. It aims to inspire reflection and open discussions on mental health and resilience.

This initiative is part of the WHO Country Office’s broader commitment to supporting national efforts to improve mental health in line with the European Framework for Action on Mental Health. Through partnerships like this, WHO reaffirms its dedication to innovative approaches to promoting well-being, reducing stigma and encouraging community engagement in building healthier, more inclusive societies.