South East Arts is inviting artists and arts organisations, as well as health workers and providers, to get together and explore the potential of arts and health projects in our region.
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The first key event of South East Arts’ arts and health initiative will be SWELL – Talking Arts and Health – a networking and brainstorming event taking place in Bega on Wednesday, March 8 at the CWA meeting rooms in Church St.
“We want people from the arts and health sectors to network and discover what projects currently exist in this domain and talk about what they see as the future of arts and health for our community,” South East Arts general manager Andrew Gray said.
SWELL – Talking Arts and Health is backed by the organisation’s arts and health strategy, which will guide work across the region in this important new area. South East Arts’ vision is to build stronger, healthier and happier communities, supported by strong networks, resources and opportunities for participation and learning.
“Supporting the development of arts and health initiatives in health care settings and facilitating connections and alliances is our priority,” Mr Gray said.
There are specific priority populations identified in South East Arts’ strategy that highlight the cultural integrity, health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities; mental health, wellbeing and resilience among young people; and creative ageing for older people.
In the Bega Valley, there are currently a number of arts/health projects underway or in planning stages. One example is the Art in the Garage program at Tulgeen which has a reputation for providing excellent creative options for artists with a disability.
Identifying the needs of the community is high on the agenda for SWELL – Talking Arts and Health, with Jenny Symonds, chairwoman of the Southern NSW Local Area Health District, addressing the gathering. Tracey Callinan, the executive director of Arts Out West, one of South East Arts’ sister organisations, which has been active in the arts/health sector for the last six years in the communities in Central West NSW, will also be showcasing some of its successful projects in this area.
SWELL events will also be taking place in Batemans Bay and Cooma throughout March. South East Arts welcomes registrants from outside the region to take part at any of the three locations.
See www.southeastarts.org.au for further information and registrations.