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| Id | 948 | |
| Author | Secker J., Heydinrych K., Kent L., Keay J. | |
| Title | Why art? Exploring the contribution to mental well-being of the creative aspects and processes of visual art-making in an arts and mental health course | |
| Reference | Secker J., Heydinrych K., Kent L., Keay J.; Why art? Exploring the contribution to mental well-being of the creative aspects and processes of visual art-making in an arts and mental health course ;Arts and Health vol:10 issue: 1 page:72.0 |
Link to article | https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020247889&doi=10.1080%2f17533015.2017.1326389&partnerID=40&md5=54d6206b03e3e524e01ef583d2262889 |
| Abstract | Background: Evaluations of participatory arts and mental health projects have consistently found improvements in mental well-being but the part played by the creative aspects, as distinct from the benefits of social interaction, remains unclear. Methods: This study explored the specific part played by the creative aspects of introductory arts courses that aim to improve mental well-being. Nine course participants consented to recording of accreditation assessment meetings held with them towards the end of their course. Results: Thematic analysis identified themes relating to two categories: creative processes and the learning that ensued. The creative processes were playful experimentation and inspiration. Learning processes revolved around learning to learn and artistic development. Conclusions: Previous studies have found play, inspiration and learning to be associated with well-being. It therefore seems reasonable to conclude that the creative aspects of the courses did play an important part in improving participants’ well-being. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. |
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| Research with more diverse populations may contribute further to understanding of the impact on mental well-being of engaging in creative processes.. | Implications for research and practice Although small in scale this study contributes to understanding of the ways in which participation in the creative processes of art-making benefits participants mental well-being. . | The study may also be useful to other arts projects and practitioners aiming to promote mental well-being for people experiencing or at risk of mental health problems. . | Our study therefore highlights the importance of providing opportunities to experience the benefits of creative activity through courses such as those run by Open Arts. . | These benefits are amongst the significant outcomes identified in the previous evaluations of Open Arts, and this study illuminates the contribution of the creative process of playful experimentation to their achievement. . | It therefore seems reasonable to conclude that the creative aspects of art courses did play an important part in improving participants mental well-being, in addition to any benefits derived from the social interaction involved in such courses. . | As well as enabling the group to bond through spending a full day together, the visit aims to broaden perceptions of what a gallery can offer and what participants themselves can achieve through exploring exhibits and discussion of individual art practice. . | The art sessions provided by Open Arts are described below in order to contextualise the study. . | This study, therefore, aimed to explore the specific contribution of creative activity by focusing more directly than in the previous studies on the creative processes in which participants engage during the Open Arts courses. . | (Poppy) Having laid the foundations for learning in the first session, skills development was a core aim of the sessions that followed and participants were encouraged to continue learning between sessions. . | The creative processes identified revolved around playful experimentation and inspiration, and there is supporting evidence in the wider literature that both have a part to play in the promotion of well-being. . | Methods: This study explored the specific part played by the creative aspects of introductory arts courses that aim to improve mental well-being. . | The core activity of the project is the provision of introductory art courses that aim to promote mental well-being and social inclusion by providing relaxing, welcoming art groups. . | Learning processes revolved around learning to learn and artistic development. . | Each course varies a little depending on the specialism ofthe artist leading the course, which is beneficial to the project as a whole as the arts facilitators, volunteers and participants share skills and try out each others ideas. . | The creative processes were playful experimentation and inspiration. . | Creative processes The creative processes identified as central to participants experience of the Open Arts courses clustered around two main themes: playful experimentation and inspiration. . | Since a key aim is to help people feel comfortable and relaxed, the roles of the arts facilitator and volunteer include chatting with participants and being mindful of whether they seem settled and happy, or need any help. . | These include social interaction with like-minded peers, relaxation and time out from worries and problems, increased motivation and a concomitant broadening of horizons. . |
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