Spark!

Igniting Creativity & Promoting Youth Mental Health

The Fraser Mustard Chair in Childhood Development is interested in what youth have to say about mental health and the arts.

Art is about self-expression and shares a direct link with brain development and mental health.  Our favorite music, movies, books, plays, and paintings often telling a story or convey a feeling that we can identify with and often, we will write, draw, or compose music that expresses how we feel.  Although individuals of all ages struggle with mental health issues, Canadian adolescents encounter a variety of experiences and pressures unique to their age group, which make youth issues regarding mental health likewise unique.  The arts can also be used as a powerful means by which youth can voice these unique experiences, frustrations, concerns and barriers relating to mental health issues, thus serving to reduce stigma and alert policy makers of the magnitude of these issues.

More information on the project can be found here.

On April 2nd, 2008, The Fraser Mustard Chair and Cantos Music foundation hosted an event for youth where the connections between art and mental health were explored with speakers Dr. Remi Quirion, Dr. Micheal Rich and Canadian Singer/Songwriter and Juno performer, Jully Black. Partipants also have an opportunity to participate in a summer digital storytelling project that will incorporate musical, visual, and digital art media.

Group discussions followed the presentation. The most relevant and overlooked issues regarding mental health and the arts were discussed to get a youth perspective. We are still looking for imput on these topics, feel free to view and comment on them here.

Jully Black’s life saved by music – Review of Spark!

Update on the Spark! Digital Storytelling Workshop coming soon.