Publication Cover
Arts & Health
An International Journal for Research, Policy and Practice
Volume 10, 2018 - Issue 1
620
Views
6
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Articles

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

Pages 1-16 | Received 28 Jun 2016, Accepted 03 Sep 2016, Published online: 20 Feb 2017
 

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.

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

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 53.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 209.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.