Conference Program

In 2022, ICOM revised the definition of 'museum' to recognise its pluriversal role in society, stating that museums are accessible and inclusive.

Museums serve as sites of informal learning and social engagement, facilitating inclusive practices and community participation. As confirmed by international scientific literature, museums bridge divides, offer therapeutic benefits, and inspire innovation.

In Italy, the prevalence of autism is increasing and estimates indicate that 1 in 77 people have a diagnosis compared to 1 in 89 in Europe.

In 2023, the public health authority ULSS 3 Serenissima launched a call for proposals aimed at strengthening the social skills of autistic people. The Gruppo Asperger Veneto association (GAV) was awarded funding for an anticipatory project, originally developed as part of a Master’s thesis in Social Foresight, which proposed structured museum visits in Venice as tools for social empowerment.

A systemic approach is essential to address complex societal challenges. European policy increasingly promotes cross-sectoral integration linking culture, health, social policy, and education. On 5 February 2026, the Italian Ministers of Culture and Health signed a memorandum of understanding, paving the way for 'art on prescription'.

This paper explores how guided museum visits and creative workshops can improve social skills, communication, self-confidence and autonomy of autistic people. It emphasises the importance of providing people with ASD with opportunities to practice their social abilities in a safe environment. It highlights the necessity of a cross-sectoral collaboration in designing suitable measures to help autistic people prepare to lead independent lives, as outlined in their 'Project of Life'.

Results confirm that structured museum visits can effectively provide training in social exchange skills for the future. They foster communication, self-confidence, autonomy and social inclusion. They boost personal development and informally educate to broaden interests. Importantly, the project demonstrates how such museum-based interventions can serve as experiential laboratories for anticipatory citizenship, equipping autistic participants with the skills and capacities needed to navigate complex social contexts and participate meaningfully in social life. Exploratory Pathways in a Supportive Territory stands as an evidence-based model of cultural welfare, demonstrating how partnerships between health services and cultural institutions can enhance both individual and collective well-being.