Continuing the 2022 edition’s focus on arts and well-being, Let’s Connect! 2023: The Intersections of Arts & Care brought together representatives from diverse sectors to explore how the arts provides a caring space for people to improve their well-being through individual expression and social connection.
In addition to presentations by Katherine Boydell, Mary Bernadette Lee, and Elaine Yeoh, and a panel discussion moderated by Joanne Yoong, participants gained deeper, more practical knowledge and perspectives through afternoon workshops and networking opportunities. The workshops by Singapore Art Museum, LASELLE College of the Arts, and National Gallery Singapore delved into various aspects of arts and well-being including art therapy, emotional and mental health.
Here are some highlights from the presentations:
Presentations
An Aesthetic of Knowledge Translation: Using Arts to Create, Share Health Knowledge and Enhance Well-being
Katherine Boydell, Professor of Mental Health, Black Dog Institute
Katherine presented on her research program that involves participants using art forms to share their lived experience of a health issue. Exemplars of such activities include photovoice and body mapping research with marginalised women, digital storytelling with young people and a digital installation of the Covid experiences of health leaders. In particular, the talk demonstrated the efficacy of using the arts via increased mental health literacy, enhanced empathy, decreased stigma and overall mental health and wellbeing.
Simplicity as an Anchor in Creating Safe Spaces for Accessibility and Expression in Art Making
Mary Bernadette Lee, Visual Artist and Educator
Mary expounded on her methods that enable her participants to share their personal stories, thoughts and feelings safely. In doing so, she softly encourages her participants to come closer to themselves, be curious about the creative process and be more confident in expressing. Her workshops provide scaffolding for self-directed processes with different mediums that can help participants understand themselves better, clarify their thoughts, and gain a clearer understanding of their circumstances or relationships with others. Her participants come from different socio-economic backgrounds and include children with special needs, youths-at-risk, senior citizens and young working adults.
Elaine Yeoh, Manager, Arts Development, Club Rainbow (Singapore)
Club Rainbow (Singapore) is a non-profit organisation and charity with a mission to support and empower children with chronic illnesses, and their families. Elaine shared Club Rainbow’s efforts in arts engagement to empower children and enhance their quality of life, and stories of the growth of selected children in their journey with Club Rainbow.
Click here for the recordings of Let’s Connect! 2023