Program & Research Reports
Arts annual report 2023 – 24
Access Alliance deepens the commitment to newcomer mental health through arts-based programming at various levels. This year, expressive arts initiatives were co-designed by bringing together community artists and healthcare providers, ensuring programs are both culturally relevant and trauma-informed. Partnerships with local galleries and cultural institutions were expanded to support social prescribing. These efforts are shaping how we understand and support newcomer mental health by culturally tailoring programs through the arts, fostering resilience, connection, and healing.
Report highlights
- Co-created arts programs: Interdisciplinary expressive arts programs were developed by connecting community artists with healthcare providers to support the mental health and well-being of newcomer participants.
- Inclusive resources and support: Funding was used to provide artists, art materials, and accessibility resources, ensuring all participants could fully engage in the programs.
- Capacity building for providers: Healthcare providers received training on how to integrate arts into mental health care, strengthening their ability to support newcomers in culturally responsive ways.
- Expanded community partnerships: The program collaborated with local galleries, museums, and cultural institutions to support social prescribing and create more inclusive, community-based pathways to mental health and well-being.
- Participant and provider outcomes: Participants reported improved belonging, increased self-efficacy, greater awareness of health and cultural resources, and applied mental well-being techniques in daily life, while providers observed that art-making reinforced knowledge, promoted trauma-informed practices, and highlighted the role of community artists as key health workers.
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