”[A]rts and art therapies were invariably found to be associated with improvements in arousal levels, emotional literacy, and quality of life.”
Arts with Offenders: A Literature Synthesis B.
Meekums, J. Daniel / The Arts in Psychotherapy 38 (2011) 229-238
PROGRAMS
OUR
Learning the act of making music together with others and collaborating to create original songs gives participants a proven means of non-confrontational, non-violent expression and self-esteem building.
This process also helps to reduce institutional tensions by giving the participants agency, time, and space for creativity. Skills learned are:
-how to focus on a task.
-how to start and complete a project.
-how to process challenging emotions creatively.
-how to work with others collaboratively.
All are required skills that will benefit the participants upon release as they re-enter school and/or the workforce. Workshops culminate in ceremonies where participants are awarded certificates of completion, accompanied by participant performances of original songs created during workshops.
