At the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty about the impact social distancing, lockdowns and virtual learning would have on children. However, studies report that the pandemic has in fact had a devastating impact on not only children but their families and has caused more anxiety, increased stress and other adverse mental health outcomes. For this reason, in 2021 the A.R.T. Room (Artistic Revolutionary Thinkers) program was created to (1) prevent mental health disorders from increasing, (2) keep children connected to their peers and community, (3) create safe spaces despite social distancing and (4) prioritize the needs of underserved communities and marginalized children. The program became the foundation for creating an unconventional approach to addressing mental health disorders, by connecting art to community, academics and research.
The A.R.T. Room is a mentorship afterschool program that provides children from ages 8-18 the opportunity to build leadership skills while learning the importance of teamwork, community engagement and advocacy through art. The idea of the A.R.T. Room came to me and 5 other classmates about 10 years ago while I was in undergraduate studies. The task was to create a program that would be both relevant and impactful to address a social justice issue. However, when the pandemic took place, the program was created to prioritize the mental wellness of children and the needs of Black, Indigenous and Racialized individuals who were at higher risk of racial discrimination, resulting in adverse outcomes.
During the pandemic the A.R.T. Room ran throughout the school year on zoom, where children were partnered with high school mentors in breakout rooms and would learn various art forms from community guest artists online. Today, the A.R.T. Room has evolved and continues to serve as a safe space for students to find their artistic voice through weekly in-person sessions. These sessions teach children the basics of novel writing, photography, sketching, spoken word, painting, digital art and fashion using the 7 Cs- conflict resolution, courtesy, creativity, courage, community, care and climate. At the beginning of the program, participants and their mentors receive full art kits (paint, sketch books, canvases, paintbrushes etc.) to support them throughout their artistic journey. For many participants the highlight of the program is the Art Gallery and Showcase as it celebrates the achievements of these students with a awards ceremony and showcases to their family, friends, teachers and community their final artwork. The program concludes with a 40-page comprehensive report on the outcomes of the program and the impact it had on the participants.
The A.R.T. Room is truly unique as it prepares young students with tools and skills that they will need throughout their lifetime. These tools and skills help them to understand the importance of using their voice to create change and inspire others to do so as well. The artwork that they create at the end of the program is a beautiful experience as they are recognized as true artists and more than worthy of showcasing their masterpiece. This becomes a reference point for them throughout their lives to know they are heard, valued and can accomplish anything they put their minds to. Over the years, the program has proven to increase confidence and connectivity amongst those who attend it. It is my hope that the A.R.T. Room will be used in schools globally as a strategy to prevent mental health disorders from increasing among children and provide a space for them to feel heard, accepted and empowered to create their own masterpieces.
About the Author
Leanne Prendergast is the Founder and Executive Director of a non-profit organization called Love our Lives which works to empower girls and women to live happy and healthy lives. She co-published her first self-help book at age 14 and has worked for over 15 years to address the increase of mental health disorders among youth.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.