Consumer perspectives on arts-in-recovery: A community art programme for people living with mental illness

Introduction: Arts health programmes provide opportunities for community participation in art-making to support well-being. In mental health practice, these programmes are increasingly socially prescribed for consumers. This study explores the factors that shape the attendance of people living with mental illness who attend the arts-in-recovery (AIR) programme. Methods: A mixed-method study-specific, cross-sectional survey tool was used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical analysis, and the open-ended questions used Saldana’s two-step data analysis approach. Results: Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed from 40 respondents who had attended the programme, with 50% ( n = 20) of participants attending for 1 year or more. Of these 85% reported AIR attendance supported recovery and 72.5% required support from another person to attend. The 5-point Likert scores ranged from 3.75 to 4.75. Highest score was for agreement for the opportunity for ‘doing something creative’. Four key themes were identified: (i) participating in art-making, (ii) opportunities for socialising, (iii) supporting recovery and (iv) being in a supportive environment. Conclusion: Regular attendance at AIR workshops contributes to social networking, skills building and routines. Arts health programmes provide people living with mental illness with enjoyable art-making opportunities that foster ongoing community participation.