Eudaimonia and creativity: the art of human flourishing

Abstract

In times of rapid change the Arts have been shown to contribute through an array of processes to a range of outcomes that improve social and emotional health. While this observation has caused debates in the field such as, intrinsic versus instrumental value, individuality versus sociality, skill development focus versus broader aesthetic focus/beauty, and the tired argument of process versus product, these reductive arguments negate the value of the Arts to becoming fully human. Using the New Economics Foundation’s ‘Five Paths to Wellbeing’ as a framework, this article describes these paths – connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give – and the way that Arts practices are reflective of them. These links are then illustrated through a consideration of an artist-in-residence project, and pre-service teachers highlighting animating principles and processes that reveal creativity as a core value, and the links between enabling, belonging, creating, health and wellbeing.

Keywords:

• Arts Education
• creativity
• wellbeing
• engagement
• meaning
• expression

Notes

1. ARTSEDGE is a formal collaboration between the Western Australian Government’s Department of Education and Department of Culture and the Arts.

2. The Wakakirri National Story festival is designed to encourage young Australians to be open-minded, confident and active through the creation, performance and appreciation of story.