Think of a world without arts. No music to listen to, no TV shows or movies to watch, no performances to be inspired by, no paintings or photographs to admire. It’d be a bland, boring and sad place.
The arts colour our world, help us to express ourselves, and allow us to share our stories and experiences in innovative and creative ways, bringing us closer together in mutual understanding by letting us walk a mile in each other’s shoes, so to speak.
The arts also contribute to mental health and wellness in many different ways. In 2021, Hill Strategies Research released a report looking into the link between Canadians’ arts participation and their health and well-being. It focussed on the relationships between 15 arts, culture, and heritage activities and included four aspects: overall health, mental health, satisfaction with life, and satisfaction with feeling part of the community (i.e., a sense of belonging). Their analysis was based on Statistics Canada’s 2016 General Social Survey, which included 9,844 Canadians 15 years of age or older who reside in the ten provinces.
Some of the key findings from the report include:
-There is a strong connection between cultural participation and overall health.
-There is solid evidence of a connection between cultural participation and mental health.
See the infographics below for a breakdown, and click here to access the report “Canadians’ Arts Participation, Health, and Well-Being” from Hill Strategies Research.
In their Creative Economy Outlook 2022, the United Nations also notes that the creative economy is one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, with creative industries creating employment and income, promoting innovation and contributing to societies’ well-being. (Click here to access the United Nations Creative Economy Outlook 2022.)
In honour of Well-Being Week here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we’re taking a look at just a few local artists and arts organizations who are contributing to wellness through their work (with some special events planned for this week). We encourage you to check out an event near you!
Nia on the Rock & Ageless Grace
Elaine Dunphy of “Nia on the Rock” is much more than a dancer and dance instructor – she helps people of all ages find joy through movement, benefitting both the mind and body.
Nia is a practice that incorporates martial arts, tai chi, dance, yoga and mindfulness. And it’s for every body, regardless of age, ability or experience level.
Elaine is also behind “Ageless Grace on the Rock,” a program that activates all five functions of the brain using 21 simple exercises that focus on the health and longevity of the body and mind.
Elaine will be holding a candlelight Nia dance class on Wednesday, September 20 from 7-8pm at The Annex, and an Ageless Grace seated dance class on Saturday, September 23 from 1-2pm (both with the Association for the Arts in Mount Pearl). Click here to learn more about these sessions.
Association for the Arts in Mount Pearl (AAMP)
Speaking of the AAMP, the organization is hosting a variety of events to celebrate their annual Arts Week (September 18-25), which coincides with Well-Being Week. All events are free, take place at The Annex and are suitable for all experience levels.
Avail of the AAMP’s “Studio Time” and enjoy company and snacks while you work on your creative projects, learn how to make a zine, take in a brainstorming or painting session, or participate in a “craft buffet” and let your creativity run wild. While many events are drop-in, registration is required for others.
The week winds down on Sunday, September 24 with the ARTFUSiON Festival, featuring performers, display artists, kids’ activities and a community art project. (Click here to see the full schedule of events for Arts Week and the ARTFUSiON Festival.)
WritersNL
Writing is a wonderful way to help you express your thoughts and feelings and offers many therapeutic benefits. As part of Well-Being Week, WritersNL will be hosting two therapeutic writing workshops.
Simisola Johnson’s “Soulful Dialogues: Health and Healing Through Personal Narrative” takes place Tuesday evening via Zoom and will enhance your ability to connect, empathize, and communicate the human experience of symptoms and suffering through the art of storytelling. (Click here to register for Simisola Johnson’s writing workshop.)
On Wednesday, September 20, Lindsey Harrington will lead the session “The Transformative Power of Therapeutic Writing: A Journey in Healing,” also via Zoom. Participants will learn the pillars of therapeutic writing by doing during this two-hour session. (Click here to register for Lindsey Harrington’s writing workshop.)
Tom Alteen
“The Drumming Geek” Tom Alteen is a trained Remo HealthRHYTHMS Drum Circle Facilitator and in 2021, was one of four Canadian representatives for the Foundation for Global Community Health Future Leaders’ “BWell/BKind Breaks Challenge.”
Tom shares love and kindness through rhythm and has connected people in the community by facilitating drum circles that are entertaining, rhythmic and relaxing. His clients include NL Health Services; youth groups with the Girls Guides of Canada and Scouts Canada; Memorial University’s Shad program; and more.
On September 23, Tom will be hosting a community drum circle as part of the Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival, where participants can discover the benefits of drumming and its impact on well-being (click here to learn more about Tom’s session).
To learn more about Tom’s other upcoming gigs, click here.
Quidi Vidi Art Search
What’s better than going for a nice, relaxing stroll and discovering cool pieces of public art along the way? Getting fresh air, exercise and an infusion of inspiration – Business & Arts NL’s Quidi Vidi Art Search can help you do all three.
A public art effort championed by artists, community partners and business owners, the Quidi Vidi Art Search includes work by local artists Vessela Brakalova, Robert Hengeveld, Ian Gillies, Marc Fiset, Julie Lewis, and Kevin-Barry Martin. Take a walk through the beautiful, historic village and go on a treasure hunt to see if you can spot all the pieces – a fun activity you can enjoy year-round! (Click here to learn more about the Quidi Vidi Art Search.)
Well-Being Week Activities
There’s a whole host of activities taking place during Well-Being Week, including a talk at The Rooms with Dr. Leah Lewis on September 21, looking at her work in art therapy, the therapeutic benefits of art practices, and her current research. (Click here for a free ticket to this event.)
Visit https://wellbeingnl.ca/ to check out a full schedule of events around the province, including painting sessions at Heart’s Content Cable Station, gentle exercise and singing sessions with the Better Breathing Choir, a community “wellness wiggle” dance session with Quadrangle, an exploration of the sound-body connection through Laughing Heart Music’s Music & Wellness series (Corner Brook), concerts, plays and more!
