Artful Bonds: Unveiling the Next Wave of Recovery in Mental Healthcare - Resilience and Citizenship

Introduction: Exploring the dynamic concept of recovery, this abstract delves into the landscape of long-term mental health care, focusing on person-centered care, independence, hope, and inclusion. It traces the development from rehabilitation and protected living to the emergence of recovery colleges as inclusive social hubs. The authors, drawing from their life experiences, recognize ordinary interests as a unifying thread and see potential in amateur art communities for the next wave of recovery and citizenship in mental healthcare.

Methods: All authors, engaged in art participation, experienced positive impacts on mental well-being and belonging in artistic social hubs. Inspired by daily interactions and personal experiences in repetitions, coproductions, projects, and social activities, they collaboratively wrote this abstract. A literature search further supported their ideas. Involving three amateur art community organizations with dancers, actors, and vocalists, participants encompassed community members and their teachers/coaches from various professions, ages, and cultural backgrounds.

Results: Findings reveal that the artistic environment fostered intergenerational connections, embracing inclusivity, mentoring, equality, reciprocity, and friendships. Their membership to the art communities and intrinsic driven interactions normalized inclusivity, leading to meaningful connections within and outside the communities. Participants engaged in social activities, such as dining, outdoor cultural events, and coffee outings. Notably, personal and professional support emerged among participants, exemplified by teachers advising parents and members sharing personal experiences.

Discussion: The authors highlight the transformative potential of integrating artistic pursuits into the recovery narrative, fostering camaraderie and social cohesion. Advocating for a broader perspective on citizenship and inclusion, the study underscores ordinary elements as shared foundations in the normalization process. Reflection on the broader implications for mental health care is prompted, emphasizing the value of community engagement, shared activities, and mutual support in promoting well-being and recovery.