The Art of Healing is an interdisciplinary research project that is studying the potential for the arts and art-based therapies to support the mental health and wellbeing of children affected by conflict.
Jammu & Kashmir
The investigation is taking place in the Jammu & Kashmir, one of the most militarised areas in the world where everyday life is impacted by political and social crises as well as moments of violence and unrest. Our primary objective is to draw on the healing power of the arts to provide forms of expression and healing to children in the area. In the first phase of work, we collaborated with the Dolphin International School in Pulwama who integrated arts activities into their curriculum and school activities.
In the second phase, we expanded our collaboration to include two additional schools – Delhi Public School in Srinagar and the National Innovation Public School in Shopian. During this work, our team conducted training with teachers and staff at all three schools who went on to deliver classroom-based workshops and sessions with children. Arts activities and arts-based therapies are being designed to support a range of outcomes. These include supporting a sense of belonging, group working and emotional expression. Another important part of the programme is to facilitate the children’s agency, self-esteem and pride through creative processes.
The Art of Healing is funded as part of the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) through the Arts and Humanities Research Council’s urgency programme.
Participating Institutions
Delhi Public School
National Innovation Public School
University of the West of England, Bristol
Middlesex University
Bath Spa University
Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust
Vikramjeet Sinha
Dolphin International School