Creative community groups as catalysts for health and wellbeing: An ethnographic study of arts participation in Stoke-on-Trent (UK)

Fanthome, Jeanette Caroline

Abstract

The role of creative activity for wellbeing is of growing interest, with third sector resources increasingly utilised to prevent the over-medicalisation of social problems. Experiences of community creative participation, however, are not well understood. There is currently a lack of qualitative research which considers creative activity in group settings, across the life span and within the wider context of people’s lives.

This ethnographic study aimed to understand the significance of participation within specific creative group projects, framed by the wider health and wellbeing agenda. Research took place in the city of Stoke-on-Trent, England, an area of multiple deprivation. It consisted of 12 months of participant observation among a women’s craft group and a men’s creative project. After 6 months of in-situ fieldwork participant observation moved online due to the COVID-19 restrictions. All data, including open-ended interviews and participants’ diaries, were analysed thematically.

The findings showed that people were motivated by an interest in the creative activity which functioned as a catalyst for social connection, transformation and feelings of belonging. Some engaged with these groups as an alternative to the healthcare system, others alongside it. Most recognised the wellbeing benefits, keen to advocate them to the wider community. The groups were designed to be inclusive, safe spaces intended to meet the wellbeing needs of the community and there was a system of governance and accountability in place. Challenges to the creative organisations were the need for personal and financial support to sustain their projects. This study provides key insights of the characteristics of creative community practice and participation for policymakers, social prescribing models and arts and health initiatives. The findings could be transferable to similar communities and contexts, particularly in areas of social and health disadvantage.

Citation

Fanthome, J. C. (2023). Creative community groups as catalysts for health and wellbeing: An ethnographic study of arts participation in Stoke-on-Trent (UK). (Thesis). Keele University

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 11, 2023
• Award Date: 2023-06