A qualitative study of 2Create: A mental health service user-led art group
Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Background2Create is a mental health service user-led art group in the UK, established by graduates of Open Arts, a community arts and mental health project. The study aimed to explore group members' experiences over its first year. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five current and one former member of 2Create. Results Key themes related to organisation (evolving, flexibility, finance, leadership challenges), the studio environment, personal gains (social inclusion, self-esteem, well-being) and future plans (increasing membership, exhibitions, funding applications, social events). Conclusion The gains reported indicate that 2Create is beneficial to its members. Although a number of challenges were identified, all participants identified personal and group-wide gains and emphasised that challenges are to be expected when setting up a new group. The key implication for independent mental health user-led arts groups is that support is needed in the early stages, and that independence can then be achieved with time.
Source: Arts & Health
Authors: Ceri Wilson, Lyn Kent
Institution: Anglia Ruskin University
Language: English
Subfield: Conservation
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2158912200