The power of art to nurture and support mental health and wellbeing was on display for all to experience in Brisbane’s CBD this week.
Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ) showcased its Arts program for people of all abilities, though an interactive community mural.
WMQ Wesley Arts Manager Annie Petersen said the Making Waves activation, in the Queen Street Mall, aimed to draw attention to Australia’s growing Arts on Prescription movement, which promotes arts-based solutions for mental health.
Ms Petersen said it was inspired by successful programs in the UK, Ireland, and Canada, where “social prescribing” connected people to non-clinical services that alleviated isolation and enhanced well-being.
“Arts and creativity are powerful tools that can be integrated into healthcare to relieve stress, anxiety, support recovery and other mental health challenges,” she said.
“The goal is to help pave the way for arts-based engagement to be embedded as long-term support in Australia’s healthcare system.”
Ms Petersen said one in five Australians would experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime and there was a growing need for accessible, innovative support.
She said the arts could form part of the solution and the Wesley Arts program was championing Arts on Prescription by using creative therapeutic workshops to support people’s emotional and mental health alongside traditional clinical practices.
“We’ve seen firsthand how creative expression can open pathways for healing, whether it’s through lowering stress, enhancing mood, or fostering a sense of connection in challenging times.
“By bringing arts practice to a public space like Queen Street Mall, we’re hoping to raise awareness of the therapeutic Arts services Wesley Mission Queensland provides and the transformative benefits of arts in mental health care.”
She said the live community painting event drew a large crowd with many people participating, taking a mental health break, and embracing their creativity by adding to the community mural.
“This interactive event offered participants firsthand experience of the positive effects of artistic involvement.”
Ms Petersen said the mural was designed by local artist Sue Loveday in collaboration with the Wesley Arts creative community and by day’s end had become a vivid representation of resilience, connection, and community spirit.
Learn more about Wesley Arts.
