Art promoting mental health literacy and a positive attitude towards people with experience of mental illness

Abstract

The results suggest that exhibitions can successfully promote mental health literacy and contribute to positive attitudes towards people with experience of mental illness. This paper explores these findings and raises questions about how the presentation of artworks in an exhibition influences their effectiveness in mental health promotion.

Recovery and creative practices in people with severe mental illness: evaluating well-being and social inclusion

“…Second, undoubtedly, activity in the creative workshops at the museum not only empowers users, but at the same time it challenges institutions and organizations in order to improve interdisciplinary collaboration that according to some authors [25] need to be developed. And, finally, we suggest the participation of people with and without SMI engage together in these activities [6]. Our observers noted a radical change on negative associations and prejudice associated to people with SMI.…”

“…Visitors of an art exhibition that displayed artwork created by people experiencing mental distress demonstrated better understanding of mental illness, empathy towards people suffering from mental illness and acknowledged and valued the artistic skills and talent among the artists [6]. Their observation reflects the positive effects that creative practices have, not only on the patients, but also on the healthcare professionals and general population.…”

Cunningham Dax Collection

“…7 More than 90% of respondents agreed that the exhibits helped them to gain a better understanding of mental illness and to appreciate the ability and creativity of people with mental illness. This survey demonstrates that such exhibits can help promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs and facilitate positive attitudes.…”

Through our lens: Experiences of adult mental health service consumers in the Arrow Lakes Region of British Columbia

“…The creative arts offer a medium from which societal norms and perceptions of mental illness -and other marginalized intersections of identity -can be explored at the community and national level (Koh & Shrimpton, 2014;Quinn, Shulman, Knifton & Byrne, 2011;Ryan et al, 2015). This societal exploration of mental health and illness has commonly been promoted through exhibitions of creative arts modalities (Koh & Shrimpton, 2014;Quinn et al, 2011;Ryan et al, 2015). These exhibitions -when properly curated and organized -work to reflect the diverse range of personal experiences of mental illness, while presenting the artists as accomplished and valuable, effectively empowering and affirming individuals' healing journeys (Koh & Shrimpton, 2014).…”

“…This societal exploration of mental health and illness has commonly been promoted through exhibitions of creative arts modalities (Koh & Shrimpton, 2014;Quinn et al, 2011;Ryan et al, 2015). These exhibitions -when properly curated and organized -work to reflect the diverse range of personal experiences of mental illness, while presenting the artists as accomplished and valuable, effectively empowering and affirming individuals' healing journeys (Koh & Shrimpton, 2014). The community presentations of these exhibitions has been linked to: decreases in stigma, increases in community mental health literacy, increases in overall community mental health, and increased community mobilization related to advocating for equitable health care (Koh & Shrimpton, 2014;Quinn et al, 2011;Ryan et al, 2015).…”