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In Prison, Learning Magic by Mail

Annalisa Quinn

August 14, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States

A community of incarcerated magic enthusiasts formed spontaneously around a column published by a magic magazine, thanks to their own initiative and the willingness of Joshua Jay, the magician/columnist, to respond to fan mail. The incarcerated people formed an underground exchange of tips on magic tricks and how to make props from the limited availability of materials in prisons. By perfecting their skills, this community used magic as performative art therapy, easing their sense of isolation and increasing their sense of power and personal worth. One even went pro after his release.

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Surfing for a better life

Richard Kenny Lily Freeston

May 04, 2020 |

BBC |

Video |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: South Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape

A program in Cape Town, South Africa is helping children learn life skills and provide mental health resources through 'surf therapy.' The program called Waves for Change starts each session with some grounding meditation and energizing chants in order to prepare the group before they venture out into the sea, which for some kids was a prior source of fear. For many kids, this has been a way to learn to communicate better and a chance to improve their self-esteem.

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Arizona behavioral health unit unveils murals to help mental health

Tina Giuliano

March 10, 2020 |

Cronkite News - Arizona PBS |

Broadcast TV News |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff Medical Center has incorporated the arts into their behavioral health unit, where they treat people with depression, anxiety, and other issues—they hired local artists to paint murals on the walls. Staff at the center say that the art has had a positive effect on the patients and allows them to reflect on where they came from.

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A Second Life for Flowers

Miriam Zoila Perez

March 10, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington, District of Columbia

Horticultural therapy – a mix of art therapy, wellness activity, and a way to reuse viable flowers – is gaining popularity amongst hospitals and nursing homes due to its nature-centric therapeutic benefits. Although medical research is limited, some studies have shown that it can have a positive impact on one's mood and participants have expressed sentiments such as, "It relaxes me. Just holding the flowers takes me away from my situation."

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Healing arts: Recovering from sexual assault through creativity

Emily Dean

February 18, 2020 |

Cronkite News - Arizona PBS |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Phoenix, Arizona

For those who have experienced sexual assault, art therapy is being used for recovery, empowerment, and self-expression. Two organizations, Art Against Assault and CounterAct, are striving to use an arts-based approach to survivors who want to express what happened and their feelings, but may feel like they can’t. While gaining traction, expert practitioners warn that not anyone can do this, that this approach must be facilitated by experts in art therapy to prevent further harm.

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Veterans with PTSD have found physical activity is an effective treatment

Rachel Phillips Jonathan Messiha Sara Abbott

February 12, 2020 |

Cronkite News - Arizona PBS |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Phoenix, Arizona

To help veterans struggling to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, the Phoenix VA Health Care System has started using sports and outdoor recreation as a means of therapy. Although it does not replace medications or act as a cure-all, this practice has been shown to reduce symptoms and can lead to a reduction in medications.

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The Mitrovica Rock School: bridging the divide between Serbs and Albanians in Kosovo

Louis Seiller

January 20, 2020 |

Equal Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Kosovo, Mitrovica

Music can bridge cultural divides. The Mitrovica Rock School in Mitroviva, Kosovo, encourages young musicians of Albanian and Serbian backgrounds to create music together. The culturally “mixed” bands play across Kosovo. The rock school was founded through a collaboration between Musicians Without Borders and Community Building Mitrovica after Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia.

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Art, theatre and clowns: creative cures for dementia

Priti Salian

January 07, 2020 |

The National |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Germany, Duisburg

Connecting with art enriches the lives of patients struggling with dementia and Alzheimers. Across Germany, several programs are using art to stimulate the minds of an aging population. At the Lehmbruck Museum in Duisburg, seniors meet to discuss art pieces that affect them. Elsewhere, in Bonn, the Demezionen theater ensemble performs for retirement homes. And even clowns can bring a positive atmosphere to seniors struggling with dementia!

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In Appalachia, Crafting a Road to Recovery With Dulcimer Strings

Patricia Leigh Brown

January 03, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Hindman, Kentucky

To help those struggling with opioid addictions, an apprentice program in Kentucky uses art and music taught by local artisans to provide participants with a path forward. After learning various skills as part of the program, a local instrument company also considers the new apprentices for hire as part of a “recovery-friendly” employment movement.

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Art Helps Returning Citizens ‘Cross the Threshold'

Emily Nonko

December 11, 2019 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Performance art provides a healing outlet for formerly incarcerated individuals. In New York City, the Ritual4Return program encourages participants to express the transition in their lives through art. Using an artistic expression helps individuals cope with the experience of incarceration and encourages them to reflect on crossing the threshold into the next stage of life. The program operates with the support of grants from universities, foundations, and private donations through a Kickstarter campaign.

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