On November 6th, GAMIAN-Europe, in collaboration with the European Federation of Psychologists Associations (EFPA), hosted the “Art as a Socio-Psychological Mirror” webinar as part of the Vibrant Mind initiative. This engaging event brought together experts to discuss the transformative role of art in mental health, resilience, and healing for communities facing trauma, displacement, and other challenges.
Speaker Presentations:
Assim Kalouaz, a digital media psychologist and PhD researcher, discussed his work on designing awe-inducing experiences to enhance mental well-being. Assim explained how interactive media, through visuals and immersive storytelling, can provide emotional release and help individuals process complex feelings. He shared projects aimed at reducing anxiety in pediatric patients, showing the potential of digital experiences to foster healing and build resilience by evoking emotions such as awe and wonder.
British artist and activist Madeleina Kay presented her advocacy in the arts sector. Through her work with the Dare to Care collective, Madeleina addressed the mental health challenges that artists face, especially due to industry pressures and online abuse. She shared how she channels her experiences of online trolling into her art as a form of healing and empowerment, creating pieces like her dress made from negative comments, symbolizing resilience and reclaiming narratives.
Danijela Joksimović, a psychologist and psychotherapist with extensive experience in humanitarian contexts, explored the role of art therapy in supporting mental health for marginalized groups, particularly refugees in Bosnia. Danijela discussed how art can help individuals express complex emotions beyond language and promote community cohesion. She highlighted the power of collaborative art projects and exhibitions to foster social bonds, bridge cultural divides, and provide a safe space for trauma processing among displaced populations.
Ally Zlatar, an artist and mental health advocate, shared her personal journey of using art to navigate a chronic eating disorder, showing how creativity became a means of self-expression and emotional understanding. Through her initiative, The Starving Artist, she promotes the use of art to foster person-centred care, authenticity, and mental health support. She emphasised the value of co-creation and invited others to join her in developing collaborative, healing-centered art initiatives.
Panel Discussion Recap:
The panel discussion brought the speakers together to explore the role of art therapy in fostering resilience and community bonds, especially for individuals and groups impacted by trauma and displacement. The panellists discussed art’s unique adaptability, its ability to convey experiences that words cannot, and the safe space it provides for self-expression. They also addressed the challenges of discussing sensitive topics in mental health and the importance of clear boundaries to protect participants in therapeutic art settings. The panel concluded by emphasising the need for effective support systems for artists, measures to reduce stigma around mental health, and metrics to evaluate the success of mental health initiatives in the arts.
The Vibrant Mind has reached its final chapters for 2024, with the last exhibition in Ireland and one final webinar coming up.
Stay updated and learn more about The Vibrant Mind initiative here. Watch the full webinar here.
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