CREATIVELY EXPLORING POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MUSEUM
Are you 18 or older and interested in positive mental health either for yourself or someone you support ?
If so, you are invited to take time out to re-imagine your wellbeing through a creative workshop in a fun setting.
Re-Imagine is a workshop that explores positive mental health amongst the exhibits in Galway City museum.
It is an opportunity to creatively explore your wellbeing alongside others in an environment that you may not consider when thinking about your mental health. Red Door Studio and Cosáin Wellness have come together with the support of Mental Health Ireland to offer these workshops, which are co-produced and co-facilitated by mental health coaches and art therapists.
Why hold art therapy workshops in a museum ?
Art Therapy
Uses objects, images and narratives as a mode of expression and communication for therapeutic benefit
Museums
Curate objects, images and narratives that are of cultural, historical and scientific significance
Art Therapy in museums
An opportunity to view objects, images and narratives to find personal meaning and relatable experiences that are of therapeutic value
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens in a workshop?
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We gather as a group
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Explore the museum exhibits
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Respond creatively
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Reflect on and learn from the experience collectively
Do I have to be good at art ?
No, you don’t have to be good at art or have art experience. The focus is on the process rather than the final product.
Will I have to talk?
No, you don’t have to talk but sharing experiences can facilitate learning and be supportive.
What support will be available for me if needed during the workshop?
The experienced, professionally trained facilitators will be available to you during the workshop.
Can I come by myself to the workshop?
Yes, come along by yourself as it’s an opportunity to meet and connect with others in a new way.
You are also welcome to bring someone with you as a support.
Do I have to bring anything with me?
We supply everything you need but if you have specific needs, please contact us in advance so that we can support your attendance.
THE STORY BEHIND RE-IMAGINE
RE Imagine asks you to step in to a new relationship with your wellbeing, alongside others in an environment you may not think of when considering your mental health. There has been a worldwide movement of art therapists bringing their work to non-clinical, cultural settings such as museums and galleries for over a decade. Research in this work has shown many benefits, including the following:
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enhanced self esteem, self awareness, sublimation, socialisations skills, introspection and creativity *
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dynamic relationships through the provision of 'safe space, pleasure and time for reflection and bonding' **
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inspire people's stories, value of self and view 'identity' from different perspectives***
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validation, commonality, friendship and genuineness****
*Robertson, D.N. 2011. Free Time in an Art Museum: Pausing, Gazing and Interacting. Leisure Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 70-80
** Silverman L. (2010) The Social Work of Museums. p. 55 Routledge: New York
*** Hutchinson, S. 2014. Art Therapy in Museums and Galleries: Sinan Hutchinson, 22/10/2014, Information document sent by MagSIG Joint Coordinator Sinan Hutchinson to the members of the Museums and Galleries Specialist interest Group (MagSIG) of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) on 5 November, 2014
**** Colbert et al. 2013, The Art Gallery as a Resource for Recovery for People Who Have Experienced Psychosis. The Arts in Psychotherapy, Vol. 40, No. 2, pp. 250-6
