Artfare Essentials

What it is:
Artfare Essentials is a foundational workshop series offered by Jumblies Theatre, focusing on community-engaged arts. It emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, and the intersection of art with social and cultural narratives.

My involvement: Participant

Through ArtFare essentials, I gained a deeper understanding of what community art entails—from its grassroots nature to the way it centers around collaboration with diverse groups. I learned how to involve individuals from different backgrounds and skill levels in the creative process, creating art that is both meaningful and representative of the community. 

The workshop emphasized the power of collective effort in art-making. I saw first-hand how blending different perspectives and talents enriches the creative process. Each participant's contribution, no matter how small, played a role in shaping a larger, cohesive vision.

Coming from a mental health background, I often reflected on integrating community arts with mental health during this workshop. I realized that while art can be healing, community arts differ from art therapy. Community art emphasizes collective creation and shared vision rather than therapeutic goals. However, I realised that having mental health knowledge is highly relevant in regard to being a community-engaged artist, particularly in adopting a trauma-informed lens, practising cultural competence, and maintaining mindfulness.

I learned that creating a safe and welcoming space in community arts mirrors practices in mental health, like building trust and fostering inclusivity. These principles can help participants feel empowered, valued, and connected, regardless of their personal circumstances. The workshop left me inspired to explore how community arts can complement mental health initiatives while maintaining its unique identity as a creative and collaborative practice.