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Reducing mental illness stigma and fostering empathic citizenship: Community arts collaborative approach |
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| Authors: | Rainbow T. H. Ho Andy H. Y. Ho Vania F. L. Ho Eric Y. H. Chen |
| Affiliation: | 1. Centre on Behavioral Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;2. Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;3. Division of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore;4. Heep Hong Society, Hong Kong, China;5. Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China |
| 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 |