Creative Arts Heal & Transform Lives
The arts serve as a powerful way for kids who have suffered the trauma of abuse, neglect, homelessness and other challenges to express their innermost feelings. They learn to channel their emotions and begin the healing process.
According to a study conducted by the British Columbia School of Art Therapy, the arts are crucial to the healing of abused children.
- Creative art expression enhances self-esteem through mastery over media.
- Art allows a child the distance needed to build trust with an adult.
- Art heals through the child's increased ability to control self and media.
- Art provides a safe outlet for expression of regressive impulses, anger, and other difficult feelings.
- The art process promotes insight and reduces defensiveness.
Some children have no language to describe their thoughts and feelings; visual expression, music, dance and other creative outlets offer a greater range of effective vocabulary than is possible through verbalization.
There has been extensive scientific research done that shows how art heals, and also how it deeply impacts our economy. We recommend that you visit these websites for additional information:
The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences