Creative Approaches to Wellbeing: The Pandemic and Beyond

A compilation of case studies showcases how arts, culture, and community assets helped individuals and communities cope and develop resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting valuable lessons for future crises. It focuses on the experiences and voices of marginalised groups, offering insights for policy and practice in the arts and health care. An electronic edition is available under a Creative Commons licence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2024
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals and communities worldwide, leading to significant challenges and disruptions in various aspects of life. However, amidst the adversity, there have been numerous examples of resilience and adaptation, particularly in the arts, culture, and other community assets. This compilation of case studies aims to showcase how these assets were used by individuals and communities to cope with the pandemic and develop resilience.

One of the key themes that emerges from the case studies is the focus on the experiences and voices of those who were marginalised during the pandemic. These individuals include those with structural inequalities, mental or physical ill-health, or age, who faced additional barriers and challenges during the crisis. By highlighting their experiences, the case studies provide valuable lessons that can help us develop resilience in similar future crises.

One of the most significant lessons is the importance of community-based initiatives and partnerships. Many of the case studies demonstrate how communities came together to support each other during the pandemic, whether through mutual aid networks, online communities, or local initiatives. These collaborations not only provided practical support but also fostered a sense of belonging and community.

Another important lesson is the role of arts and culture in promoting resilience. The arts can provide a means of expression, creativity, and connection, which can be particularly valuable during times of stress and uncertainty. The case studies highlight how arts organizations and artists adapted their programs and services to meet the needs of their communities, providing virtual performances, online exhibitions, and other forms of digital content.

In addition to the arts, culture, and community assets, the case studies also highlight the importance of health and care. The pandemic has highlighted the need for robust healthcare systems and the importance of mental health support. The case studies demonstrate how healthcare providers and community organizations worked together to provide essential services and support to those in need.

However, the pandemic has also exposed some of the systemic inequalities and vulnerabilities in our society. The case studies highlight how marginalized communities, such as low-income families, people of color, and individuals with disabilities, were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This has led to calls for greater social justice and equity in our response to future crises.

To address these challenges, the case studies suggest a number of policy and practice recommendations. For example, governments and organizations should invest in community-based initiatives and partnerships, and should prioritize the needs of marginalized communities. They should also work to address systemic inequalities and vulnerabilities, such as through policies that promote social justice and equity.

In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for individuals and communities worldwide, but it has also highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptation. The case studies in this compilation provide valuable lessons that can help us develop resilience in similar future crises. By focusing on the experiences and voices of those marginalised during the pandemic, we can work to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 457g
Dimension: 216 x 138 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526172594