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

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Refugee
• migrant
• creative arts
• Australia
• wellbeing
• community

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 See www.storyclothconnection.com.au

2 See https://photovoice.org

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mandy Hughes

Mandy Hughes is a lecturer in sociology and social science course coordinator at Southern Cross University, Australia. Her research interests include refugee studies, community studies, food cultures, sociology of health, and international development effectiveness. Mandy has a strong commitment to using audio visual materials to communicate cultural and social justice issues.

Louise Whitaker

Louise Whitaker is a senior lecturer in social work and community welfare and coordinates the Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Welfare and Bachelor of Community Welfare at Southern Cross University, Australia. She has practiced in mental health social work and managed programs promoting access to justice and developing the cancer workforce. In her research, she favours collaborative practice-based research methods and is interested in mental health social work practice and pedagogy.

Currently an Adjunct Professor, Barbara Rugendyke’s most recent appointment was as Dean and Head of Arts and Social Sciences at Southern Cross University. As a Human Geographer, issues of social and environmental justice were core to her research on sustainable community development and the work of international development NGOS in poverty reduction and improving livelihoods. Recent research has included evaluation of strategies designed to improve the circumstances of homeless persons and of culturally and linguistically diverse women.