Reducing mental illness stigma and fostering empathic citizenship: Community arts collaborative approach

ABSTRACT

An art therapy-informed community arts project to reduce stigma towards people living with mental illness in Hong Kong included three phases: 1) a public exhibition to raise awareness; 2) a workshop for viewers to create response art and generate approaches to alleviate stigma; and 3) a forum for people living with mental illness and viewers to create art and discuss programmatic recommendations. Results suggested that: 1) art exhibits paired with reflection fostered empathy; 2) creating art promoted a wider perspective and initiated dialogue; and 3) collaborative art making facilitated meaningful interaction. These findings offer promising strategies for art and social change.

KEYWORDS:

• Art therapy
• citizenship
• community arts
• empathy
• mental health
• mental illness
• psychosocial intervention
• social change
• social support
• stigma

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to extend their gratitude to the artists, participants, staff at the Lok Hong Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (Tung Wah Group of Hospitals), art therapist Jess Chick, and research assistant Phyllis Lo.

Funding

This body of work was funded by the Public Policy Research Scheme, Research Grant Council, Hong Kong SAR Government (Ref. No. HKU 7006-PPR-11).

Additional information

Funding

This body of work was funded by the Public Policy Research Scheme, Research Grant Council, Hong Kong SAR Government (Ref. No. HKU 7006-PPR-11).