Module 6: Knowledge mobilization and systems change
Access Module 6 Download the SCORM file How can expressive arts contribute to long-term change for newcomers experiencing gender-based domestic violence (GBDV)? This module explores how expressive arts can move beyond individual programs to support long-term healing, community well-being, equity, and systems change. Drawing on facilitator reflections, participant experiences, evaluation findings, and insights from the […]
Module 5: Measuring artful mental health & well-being
Access Module 5 Download the SCORM file What is the role of evaluation and reflection to understand the impact of expressive arts programming? This module explores evaluation and reflection within expressive arts programming and highlights approaches that are ethical, participant-centred, creative, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed. You will learn how expressive arts can generate forms of […]
Module 4: Art prevails, sustainability and continuity
Access Module 4 Download the SCORM file How can expressive arts create lasting impact beyond the program? This module explores how expressive arts practices can be sustained beyond individual sessions to support ongoing well-being, connection, and resilience for newcomer participants. Building on previous modules, it examines how sustainability can be fostered through participant experiences, facilitation […]
Module 3: Practical play and impactful imagination
Access Module 3 Download the SCORM file How can expressive arts programs create structured, supportive, and meaningful experiences for newcomers experiencing gender-based domestic violence (GBDV)? This module explores how expressive arts programs are structured and facilitated to support safety, connection, and meaningful participation for newcomer communities experiencing GBDV. Module 3 introduces the HEAL program journey and […]
Module 2: Preparing the canvas, thoughtful preparations
Access Module 2 Download the SCORM file What helps create safe, supportive, and accessible expressive arts programs for newcomers experiencing gender-based domestic violence (GBDV)? This module explores the preparation, partnerships, and facilitation practices that strengthen expressive arts programming for newcomer communities experiencing GBDV. Building on the foundations introduced in Module 1, this module explores how […]
Module 1: Expressive arts & newcomer gender-based domestic violence
Access Module 1 Download the SCORM file What is the role of expressive arts in supporting newcomers experiencing gender-based domestic violence (GBDV)? This module explores the newcomer experience of GBDV and highlights expressive arts as an effective approach for trauma recovery, healing, and connection. Drawing on insights from the HEAL Project – Hubs of Expressive […]
Creative pathways learning course
What is Creative Pathways? The course introduces expressive arts as an effective intervention for mental health and wellbeing, while focusing on specific benefits for newcomers and their families. The course provides introductory knowledge about expressive arts for newcomer individuals and communities with experience of trauma and violence. Informed by findings from Access Alliance’s Hubs of […]
Mapping of Canadian policies: Gender-based violence & newcomer perspectives
Date: 2023 Author(s): Access Alliance Research Department, in collaboration with Sofia Karas, Dalla Lana School of Public Health placement student This policy map explores how newcomer perspectives are included in Canadian gender-based domestic violence policies and initiatives across municipal, provincial, and federal levels. Policies are categorized based on whether newcomer perspectives are integrated, limited, or […]
A scoping review of community arts for newcomers in Canada
Date: TBD Author(s): Esther-Joelle Asare, Andrea Charise, Mariangela Castro Arteaga, Christen Kong Participatory, community-based creative practices, including community arts programs, may foster connection, expression, and cross-cultural understanding, offering a distinctive lens for newcomer wellness research and practice. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine Canadian studies of arts engagement initiatives in community that address […]
Community Arts Interventions for Newcomer Wellness
Date: March 2, 2026 Author(s): Christen Kong, Mariangela Castro-Arteaga, Hiba Irfan, Andrea Charise, Esther-Joelle Asare This environmental scan was conducted by FLOURISH: Community-Engaged Arts for Social Wellness Collective (FLOURISH) at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) in collaboration with Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services (Access Alliance) in 2024–2025. This environmental scan explores key […]