Accessible summary What is known on the subject? Arts‐based research is an established and accepted research approach and systematic reviews have been published on this methodology. There are many possible data collection techniques and study designs within arts‐based research, which have been implemented but not yet systematically reviewed. Rationales and challenges for arts‐based research have covered participants’ experiences of being in arts‐based studies in health service research. What the paper adds to existing knowledge? The main results of this systematic review are that mental health recovery concepts are effectively communicated by visual arts‐based research and participation in these studies is progressive and connecting for mental health consumers. This paper adds new knowledge about participants’ experiences specifically in visual arts‐based studies, where the participants are mental health consumers. The results are significant because they support visual arts‐based research in its development and popularity, both as a research approach and as an empowerment intervention. What are the implications for practice? The results of this systematic review can enhance the fields of qualitative research methods and mental health nursing. Recommendations for professional development can be advanced from consumers’ ideas and experiences of recovery reported in this review. Nurse scientists and consumer researchers can take into consideration visual arts‐based data collection techniques for use as research and empowerment interventions with mental health consumer participants. Abstract Introduction Art creation has been found to be therapeutic to mental health consumers, making the prospect of art creation's conceivable benefits as a mental health research strategy worthy of consideration. Aim This systematic review aims to explore experiences of recovery among adults with a mental illness using visual art methods. Method Following a comprehensive database search, 14 suitable studies were identified. These involved adult participants with a formal mental health diagnosis, or who self‐identify as having a mental illness. The studies employed arts‐based methodologies with participant‐created, visual art as their data. Articles underwent data extraction and quality appraisal with the JBI‐QARI (Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument). Results Results were categorised and further aggregated into two synthesised findings according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines. The synthesised findings are: (1) Creative artmaking enables the use of visual metaphors which can aid expression of feelings, externalisation of identity, and personal learning, and (2) Interpersonal and self‐connectedness through inclusion in community, receiving support when needed, and progressing through loss, are beneficial for mental health recovery. Discussion These findings are comparable to those already existing in the literature, and suggest that visual arts‐based research methods are as dependable as other qualitat...

Therapeutic recreation is beneficial for people with and without disabilities, promoting an empowered, connected, and joyful life. The present study aimed to analyse canvas art created on a therapeutic recreation programme called Recovery Camp, to discover what they reveal about the shared experiences which have occurred. This study utilized an arts-based research method and thematic analysis to discover what participants have communicated via their artwork from ten camps between 2018 and 2019. This study adheres to the COREQ guidelines for qualitative studies. Reflexive thematic analysis produced subthemes which informed three main themes and an identified core meaning of Social Capital. The three main themes were Togetherness and teamwork, Positivity, and Gratitude for Recovery Camp. Based on these findings, canvas art has revealed that shared experiences during a therapeutic recreation camp were positive and connecting. Social capital was created and bridged at Recovery Camp through teamwork and prosocial attitudes. Gratitude has also been disclosed by participants for their shared positive experience.