Art Well

Project abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly worsened mental health challenges among young people by disrupting daily routines and increasing reliance on social media. Today’s youth are more connected online than ever before, however, this constant digital engagement, combined with increased isolation and reduced interpersonal interaction, has contributed to declining mental well-being.

The project focuses on marginalised youth, who face a heightened risk of mental health issues. Poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, and limited access to support services are among the factors that negatively affect their psychological and emotional well-being.

This initiative addresses the urgent issue of youth isolation intensified by social media use, offering a constructive, community-based response. It leverages the healing potential of group-based, art-centred activities as a means to reduce the social disconnection often associated with digital overexposure. The project aims to explore how collaborative engagement in modern art forms, such as storytelling, theatre, painting, fashion, slam poetry, and sculpting, can counteract the effects of social media-induced loneliness.

While the therapeutic value of peer-supported artistic expression is well documented, this approach introduces a new perspective by comparing the impact of different modern art forms on participants’ emotional well-being and sense of social connectedness. Through this comparative evaluation, the project will generate valuable insights into which creative practices most effectively support mental resilience.

By promoting real-life, peer-supported artistic engagement, the project seeks to rebuild authentic connections among young people and offer healthier outlets for emotional expression and personal growth.

Goal:
Promote and educate (self)care for mental health among marginalised youth, through art.

Objectives:
1) Develop quality partnership.
2) Develop descriptive analysis of specific issues and needs of marginalised youngsters.
3) Exchange good practices in engaging marginalised youth in different art related practices.
4) Provide marginalised youth an opportunity for self-expression, teach them on self-care.
5) Support de-stigmatisation of mental health.
6) Teach educators on best practices in teaching marginalised youth on self-care.
7) Spread the successes of the project among relevant stakeholders.

Activities

▪️ A1. Kick-off meeting
▪️ A2. Interviews development
▪️ A3. Focus groups
▪️ A4. National reports
▪️ A5. International report
▪️ A6. Workshops (4 per country)
▪️ A7. Booklets
▪️ A8. National campaigns
▪️ A9. Mobility
▪️ A10. Handbook
▪️ A11. Photos
▪️ A12. Video
▪️ A13. Landing page
▪️ A14. Multiplier event