New data reveals positive impact of the arts on mental health.
In 2022, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre undertook a 26-week program entitled ‘The Art of Wellbeing’ in order to assess the impact of the arts on mental health. Funded by Lotterywest, the program delivered a series of weekly, two hourly ‘Creative Café’ workshops for 53 Mandurah community members (one in two of which had not taken part in arts related workshops before).
ManPAC also commissioned The University of Western Australia to conduct an evaluation of the program with the results concluding that arts programs, such as The Art of Wellbeing, can legitimately support traditional methods of healthcare provision with participants reporting a significant increase in happiness, confidence, and self-esteem.
“The program had such a massive impact on my clients social engagement, confidence and over all wellbeing. It is a great program that I could not speak more highly of!” – Taylor, Kern Allied Health.
“What a truly fantastic program the Creative Café was. I know that both our participants will miss attending this group each fortnight, as it was something they looked forward to.” – Chanel, Support Coordination WA
“Fantastic, I know my clients who attended really enjoyed this program, I really hope you get further funding for similar projects in the future ” – Katie, Kern Allied Health.
