This Think Tank focused on the role of the Teaching Artist in supporting mental health and wellbeing within various cohorts and communities. It examined existing research supporting creative arts practice for mental health and wellbeing, and clarified the distinction between the work of trained therapists and Teaching Artists.

Using small group exercises, participants engaged in dialogue to brainstorm how Teaching Artists can use their skills to benefit mental health and wellbeing. This led to a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of being a Teaching Artist and its impact on our own mental wellbeing.

Following the session, a working group will collaborate to identify current resources and gaps in supporting Teaching Artist mental health and wellbeing (both for themselves and their participants). The group will likely focus on:

– Establishing a code of effective and ethical practice for Teaching Artists regarding mental health and wellbeing.

– Collating existing resources for use by Teaching Artists.

– Identifying areas requiring further input, research, or professional development opportunities, and developing these opportunities by finding individuals or organizations to produce them and/or securing funding.

With mental health problems affecting a quarter of the population and increasing due to COVID, it is timely for Teaching Artists to bring this conversation to the forefront.