The Art of PeaceThe children of Northern Uganda have been exposed to an ongoing conflict that has last for over two decades. Researchers Julia R. Hanebrink and Alanya J. Smith have investigated art as a form of peace building in areas of conflict, and explore the value of using artistic expression as a vehicle for self-expression, an exploration of cultural identity and a reconstruction of social and cultural identities.
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Dance/Movement Therapy Fostering Resilience
The relatively young but growing field of Dance/Movement therapy is creating a space to address psychosocial problems through creative means. By engaging with the rich and integral cultural practice of dance in African cultures, Movement Therapy is exciting way to use expressive activity to facilitating healing and foster resilience.
Researcher David Alan Harris analyzed two groups of African adolescents, one from South Sudan and one from Sierra Leone. Emphasizing the cultural practices of each group, this study aimed to facilitate psychosocial healing and reintegration for formal Children Associated with Fighting Forces. Ultimately, the project "Appreciat[es] that dance and healing are essentially one" Access the Full Article Here |
The Acholi of northern Uganda, whose cultural heritage is rich in literature and the performing arts, are emerging from more than two decades of war, and there is a desire and need to nurture a culture of peace"
–Lindsay McClain
Recommendations for Arts Therapy Programs Globally
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The Art of Creative Conflict ResolutionThe people of Uganda have experience over two decades of warfare and have the complicated task of rebuilding many areas of both infrastructure and psychosocial well being. Arts therapies are often advertised as warm, "feel-good" rehabilitation efforts in documentaries, advertisements and arts programs. However, especially in African societies, it should be understood that art is already deeply integrated in their cultural practice.
Therefore, arts therapies in this area should strive to reconnect the population with established cultural material before introducing Western therapy practices. Researcher Lindsay McClain investigate the long term effectiveness and impact of ranging arts therapy programs in Northern Uganda, distinguishing between Indigenous, Hybrid and Transplanted Initiatives. Access the Full Article Here |
Health and Healing in DanceDance is constructed from "socially meaningful ways of moving and in the context of the history of dance forms in specific societies" |
Dance has long been appreciated as a cultural practice that simultaneously engages body, mind and spirit. In areas of conflict, arts mediated activities can strengthen individual resilience while also supporting community rehabilitation.
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But, the work is not finished yet!
Preliminary success with Arts Therapies should continue to be evaluated and refined to be more culturally sensitive and relevant: "While many clinicians utilize creative expression techniques in a range of settings and report positive results, there is still a need for systematic study of the effectiveness of these interventions with war-affected children" (APA 2010). Excerpt from the Report of the APA task force on the Psychosocial effects of War on children and families Who Are Refugees from Armed conflict Residing in the United states.
Preliminary success with Arts Therapies should continue to be evaluated and refined to be more culturally sensitive and relevant: "While many clinicians utilize creative expression techniques in a range of settings and report positive results, there is still a need for systematic study of the effectiveness of these interventions with war-affected children" (APA 2010). Excerpt from the Report of the APA task force on the Psychosocial effects of War on children and families Who Are Refugees from Armed conflict Residing in the United states.