- successful arts based programs are the product of well managed partnerships between the program provider and welfare organisations, artists, educator etc. These partnerships require clear communication of expectations from both sides of the fence from the onset. It is important to learn each other’s language between different professions in order to build cohesion and mutual understanding e.g. between health practioners and artists or educators and artists. This creates complimentary relationships able to benefit others. Therefore we need to involve the artist in the planning & the health/education professional in the creative process.
- in order to build the artistic credibility of a project/program an artist specialising in the chosen medium (theatre, visual arts, dance, music) should be at the centre of planning and facilitating. Participants appreciate this. For example
Milk Crate Theatre employ an artistic director and professional actors.
- Whilst the process is the main priority having some sort of end product e.g. exhibition to showcase, is an opportunity to validate the participants. This promotes self esteem and pride in their involvement and ultimately themselves. This exhibition or public showcase can then be used to lift the profile of the participants in the rest of the community and create awareness.
- Giving participants a sense of ownership over the program is paramount to success. It's about providing the opportunity but not telling participants how to complete the program/project.
- The importance of storytelling. Allowing participants to tell their story in a non-confrontational way. The arts are perfect for this, allowing self expression without probing. The challenge is finding an object/activity that is a catalyst for this storytelling to take place. A Mobile Home Photographic project facilitated by Melbourne Citymission Frontyard Youth Services Victoria used the humble mobile phone to be such a catalyst, allowing homeless youth to tell their story.
'if stories come to you care for them' How can we use the arts to care for and validate participant's stories?
