Artspace: Enabling young women's recovery through visual arts: A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Arts Therapy
• Youth Health Services

Background:

• Creative arts programs integrated with healthcare are underutilized in primary care.
• Young women facing adversity and trauma experience significant physical and mental health impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively evaluate the "Artspace" program, a clinical initiative merging creative arts with physical and mental health care for young women.
• To assess the program's impact on recovery from social adversity and trauma.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative evaluation of the Artspace program was conducted between 2016 and 2017.
• Data collection and analysis focused on client experiences and program benefits.

Main Results:

• Artspace demonstrated significant benefits for young women with histories of social adversity and trauma.
• The program facilitated recovery through equitable access, social inclusion, a supportive environment, and artist-led therapeutic processes.
• Key benefits included improved mental and physical health outcomes and sustained recovery.

Conclusions:

• Artist-led programs like Artspace positively impact youth mental and physical health.
• Long-term sustainability of such services is crucial for young people's sustained recovery and transition into adulthood.
• Arts programs are effective in engaging youth in healthcare and contribute to recovery from trauma.