THE SITUATION
Mental health challenges, mental illness, and suicide are serious public health problems. Problems that have been compounded all the more with the COVID-19 pandemic. And to address them, we must consider the contributing factors (including economic and environmental stressors) that impact the mental and emotional well-being of communities, and the individuals who are a part of them.
Development is concerned with using resources to improve the standard of living and well-being of people.
In the United States alone, $247 billion is spent on mental wellness. However, marginalized groups are less likely to receive care for their depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. People who are also exposed to violence and racial discrimination are at even greater risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Because of the stigma around mental health, people—especially people who have been marginalized—often wait until they are suicidal before they seek help. Thus, supportive environments in the family, at school, at work, and in the wider community are of critical importance.
Art Works™ is a fully customizable and interactive mental health summit—with an Arts focus—that Findlay House Global coordinates for, and in partnership with communities, including with licensed mental health professionals from within those communities.
The interactive summit offers participants a safe space to explore using The Arts as a positive coping tool, while providing a greater understanding of what mental health is, and how it affects different aspects of our lives.
Participants leave the summit inspired, REignited, and equipped to design and seek out their own mental health solutions.
By demystifying different mental health terms, and offering different platforms for people to share their own experiences and views of mental health, we can begin to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in traditionally marginalized and underserved communities.
We believe art works for everyone!
Communities come in all shapes and sizes. Art Works™ summit is a great resource for:
Cities and neighborhoods
Nonprofits
Churches
Schools
The workplace
Affinity groups
The summit is tailored to fit all age groups and community environments.
the ART WORKS™ Experience:
Check out this recap of our ART WORKS™ Newburg 2021 Youth Edition and what people had to say!
Percentages based on results of live polling during the 2021 Newburg Art Works™ (Louisville, KY) summit and post-summit survey.