Enhancing Public Awareness of People living with Mental Illness through Art Therapy, Response Art Workshops and Public Art Exhibitions.

Abstract

Art exhibits and art-making workshops were offered to increase understanding and support for people living with mental illness (PLMI) in Hong Kong. Twenty PLMI who participated in a 10-week art therapy group created an art exhibit of images they wanted to share with others. The exhibit was showcased in several locations including shopping malls, art galleries and performance venues. Public viewers (n=350) selected an art piece that they found meaningful, wrote their thoughts, and posted one action they could undertake to support PLMI. Additional viewers (n=135) were invited to view the exhibit in an art studio, created art based on their own emotional response to a selected piece, and completed reflective writings to identify ways to support PLMI. Results from our analysis suggest that art exhibits paired with reflection deepened the viewing experience which led to new insights, while creating response-art promoted a wider perspective on PLMI, challenged stereotypes and initiated dialogue on both personal actions and public policy recommendations. These findings offer promising and practical strategies for the use of art in reducing stigma, promoting mental health inclusion, and cultivating positive social change. This project was funded by Public Policy Research Scheme, RGC, HKSAR Government (HKU 7006-PPR-11).