‘“Yesterday I Couldn’t See. Tomorrow’s Sun Shines Now”: Sharing Migrant Stories Through Creative Arts to Foster Community Connections and Wellbeing’

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article documents the experiences of refugee and migrant backgrounds women residing in non-metropolitan areas of Australia, as they created works for the Stories to Freedom public exhibitions. In addition to confirming the positive impact of creative practice on the women’s wellbeing, this research revealed the women’s perceptions of social inclusion. Engaging in these activities increased feelings of happiness, confidence and pride. Visitors to the exhibitions commented on feeling inspired, which allowed the women to feel welcome and develop a sense of connectedness and belonging in their communities. This article makes an important original contribution to the growing body of literature in refugee studies and arts-based practice research. It uses a collaborative approach to acknowledge the success of arts practice in altering the negative narrative about ‘newcomers’, and progresses understanding of social inclusion. It does so by presenting a new case study, located in three different geographic locations within non-metropolitan Australian communities. Additionally, it details a unique, award winning, innovative community-engaged research process, through which a team of researchers were able to support and inspire new program directions, including the suggestion for the creative arts component which was embraced enthusiastically by participants and staff.