You don’t have to be good at art for art to be good for you

Echoes of New Year’s resolutions past – promises to ‘eat better’ or ‘save money’, have come back to haunt us as we settle back into the routines of post-festive life.

Looking for motivation? Learning a new skill or hobby can have profound benefits for both mental and physical health, with the rush of endorphins after creating your first painting or sculpture linked to reduced stress, pain and improved well-being.

Dr Christina Davies, Director of the Centre for Arts, Mental Health and Wellbeing WA from the University of Western Australia said while people were familiar with doctors suggesting sport and physical activity in a bid to improve mood, the same could be said about singing, painting and listening to music. “Artistic pursuits should be encouraged in a similar way to physical activity and sports.” She said “The arts could be stigmatised or that adults could feel self-conscious about picking up a paintbrush. But for those who do overcome their doubts, the benefits could be unending. You don’t have to be good at art for art to be good for you,” she said. “Two hours a week of singing your heart out or sculpting something can release so much pent-up frustration or anxiety.”

Term 1 Creative Learning Courses Now on Sale

Explore over 80 Creative Learning courses (no previous experience required) for Term 1, which run on weekends, evenings or during the week from early February.  Create your own self-watering pot for your plant babies, learn to play the Ukulele or explore the basics of ceramics with award-winning tutor and artist Stewart Scambler. Traditionalist options including painting, drawing, jewellery and textiles are also available.

See the full course list here

FAC TUTORS

Fremantle Arts Centre takes immense pride in its strong ties with the arts community, particularly the dedicated tutors who continue to share their skills, experiences, and creative spirit. Our extensive tutor roster includes almost 50 practising artists and teachers who have been recruited for their passion for the arts, their warmth and extensive multi-disciplinary knowledge.

Meet our tutors here 

 

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-14/arts-program-improves-mental-health-mandurah/101954636

Photography by Jess Wyld.