The perspectives of people who use mental health services engaging with arts and cultural activities

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a study of arts engagement for mental health service users in Denmark.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was completed at Hans Knudsen Instituttet, Denmark. It involved analysis of emerging themes from semi-structured interviews with six participants who had participated in a structured visit to the National Gallery (Statens Museum for Kunst) in Denmark.

Findings

Multiple benefits for people who use mental health services engaging in arts activities are reported. Arts activities are described as a central component of everyday life; a way of life and a significant factor in getting through the day. Barriers are identified in the interdisciplinary working between the museum educator and participants.

Social implications

This study identifies that the participants benefited from taking part in the arts/cultural activity. Findings also suggest that if museums are offering activities to people who use mental health services they should equip staff with training designed to support appropriate ways of working with this group. This interdisciplinary activity offers a relatively untapped potential arena of support.

Originality/value

The paper will be of relevance and value to those working with mental health and arts. The study demonstrates the importance for mental health service users to engage in creative activity and for museum staff to have appropriate skills for inclusion to be successful.

Citation

Jensen, A., Stickley, T. and Edgley , A. (2016), "The perspectives of people who use mental health services engaging with arts and cultural activities", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 180-186. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2016-0011