Creative care webinar #4: Weaving stories and data

What does implementation research look like in an arts context?

This webinar explores approaches to measuring the impact of expressive arts on newcomer mental health and wellbeing. Participants will learn strategies for integrating research into program implementation, enhancing participatory program design for newcomers. The session will address challenges in gender-based violence research, offering practical tips and remedies. The webinar will also cover future directions in this field, including scaling up successful interventions and sharing best practices with other organizations. Join us to gain valuable insights into improving mental health support for newcomer communities through arts-based approaches.

Moderated by Christen Kong, HEAL project coordinator, Access Alliance. Panelists include:

Jasmine Sidhu, Applied Psychology PhD(c), Fielding Graduate University
Shruthi Anna Thomas, Masters of Public Health Student, University of Ottawa
Ruth Wilson, Assistant professor at Kings University College at Western University

Guiding Questions

What are the most important considerations when translating program data into actionable insights for organizations or policymakers?
What challenges arise when conducting research in GBV contexts, and what specific strategies have helped address them?
How do you integrate data collection into programming without disrupting participant safety or engagement?
What are the most useful quantitative and qualitative indicators for measuring the impact of expressive arts on mental health and well-being?
Can you describe how findings from your evaluation have directly changed or improved program design?

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Explore implementation research approaches within expressive arts programming and their role in evaluating newcomer mental health, well-being, and healing outcomes in gender-based violence contexts.
Identify effective strategies for integrating participatory research and data collection into arts-based programming while maintaining participant safety, engagement, and cultural responsiveness.
Examine how qualitative and quantitative findings can inform program improvement, policy development, and the scaling of successful arts-based interventions for newcomer communities.

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