The gallery as therapeutic venue: exploring visitor perceptions in a contemporary space

Tischler, Victoria ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0086-1906, Carone, L and Mistry, J (2016) The gallery as therapeutic venue: exploring visitor perceptions in a contemporary space. Journal of Applied Arts and Health, 7 (1). pp. 37-53.

[thumbnail of JAAH_gallery16.pdf]
Preview
PDF
JAAH_gallery16.pdf - Submitted Version

Download (341kB) | Preview

Abstract

This prospective qualitative study explored the social and psychological impact of an exhibition at a contemporary art gallery. Three focus groups, including 8 people aged 45-69, were held following a guided tour of an exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary gallery. The exhibition Uneven Geographies featured the works of a variety of international artists focussing upon the politics of globalisation through different media including film, installation and photography. Focus group transcripts were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s 6-phase model of thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: 1) ’It’s almost like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle’, 2) Interpreting the Message and 3) Dissolving Social Barriers. Results indicated that the exhibition helped participants make sense of a variety of experiences, art interpretation was a key educational skill, and attending the gallery promoted social inclusion. These findings build on previous studies that indicate the potential for cultural institutions, such as art galleries and museums, to promote education, health and wellbeing at individual and societal levels.

Item Type: Article
Identifier: 10.1386/jaah.7.1.37_1
Subjects: Arts > Gallery and museum
Medicine and health > Mental health
Psychology
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Victoria Tischler
Date Deposited: 09 Mar 2018 14:41
Last Modified: 04 Nov 2024 12:02
URI: https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/4713

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Menu