Art and Mental Health Recovery: Evaluating the Impact of a Community-Based Participatory Arts Program Through Artist Voices.

Abstract

This study sought to evaluate the impact of participation in a 6-month community-based participatory arts program on mental health recovery. Using a case study methodology, a total of nine recent graduates from one of five separate groups held during the study period (2012-2015) were interviewed. All but one of the nine participants reported positive personal, emotional, physical and/or mental health changes as a result of her or his participation in the program. Voices of all participants are explored. Analysis of the interviews revealed four key themes: safe space to create, change in identity, biggest impact, and program-related challenges. This study supports community-based arts programming as a positive experience for people living with mental illness. Employing staff and volunteers with lived experience of mental health problemsenhanced the overall participant experience.