‘It takes me into another dimension’: an evaluation of mental health-themed exhibitions in outdoor urban areas

Abstract

Background: A variety of cultural activities can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues that provide artistic opportunities for those experiencing mental illness, and for outreach to communities who are less likely to engage with the arts.

Method: This study evaluated the impact of two lightbox exhibitions in urban public spaces in London, England, using interlinked cross-sectional surveys. Numerical data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis used to analyse textual data.

Results: The findings indicated that the artwork challenged negative attitudes towards mental illness, created empathy with artists and provided a forum for reflection about mental health.

Conclusions: This mode of exhibition raises awareness of mental health, reaches an audience that may be marginalized from mainstream cultural activity and helps build resilience and civic pride.

Keywords:

• Art
• creativity
• lightbox exhibition
• mental health
• stigma

Acknowledgement

The author thanks all artists who submitted work, Jyoti Singh, Trevor Mbatha, Phil Knight and the Stratford library staff at Newham Council, Joe Hales, Edythe Woolley, Jennifer Gilbert and the Outside In team (Pallant House Gallery), Alice Carey, Jake Spicer, Bromley by Bow centre, Beth Elliott and Sam Curtis at the Bethlem Gallery, Sara Haq, Kwei Eden, Sarah Pickthall, Danny Weinstein, Kezia Martin, Ali Campbell and student volunteers from Queen Mary University of London and Goldsmiths University, Clare Qualman, Liselle Terret and student volunteers from the University of East London, Tom Snell and Willie Robb from Standard 8, sfp communications ltd. and Andrew Whittuck. Thank you to Bobby Baker, Emma Cahill and Mia Barrow-Sullivan for comments on previous drafts of this manuscript.

Notes

1. Dulwich Picture Gallery www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk.

2. Nottingham Contemporary www.nottinghamcontemporary.org.

3. Outside In www.outsidein.org.uk.

4. Manchester Art gallery http://manchesterartgallery.org.

5. Tate Modern www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern.

6. Tate Exchange www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/new-tate-modern/art/tate-exchange.

7. Dragon Café http://dragoncafe.co.uk.

8. Free Space gallery https://freespacegallery.org.

9. Paintings in Hospitals http://www.paintingsinhospitals.org.uk.

10. Hospital Rooms http://hospital-rooms.com.

11. Lime http://limeart.org.