Building a Just Society Through Art
Mamta Ojha, PhD, MSW; Tahani Dari, PhD & Ann Carrellas, PhD, MSW | September 23 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Research, Art | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Historic and current events alongside issues within systemic structures indicate that racially marginalized youth are more likely to be treated unjustly, thus increasing their vulnerability to risk behaviors (Nicholson & Smith, 2020). Arts-based interventions for young at-risk individuals leads to social, emotional, and psychological well-being (Thompson & Tawell, 2017) and has implications for collective empowerment and social change (Christens & Dolan, 2011). Seventy-five young artists were recruited to participate in summer internship program hosted by an art agency. Students learned art skills and participated in leadership training program. Informed consent and assent were taken prior to data collection. Pre and post data were collected using convenient sampling via online surveys. Focus group interviews were conducted virtually after the program concluded. These data helped researchers examine: (1) participants’ self-reported social skills, leadership development, and civic duty engagement, and
(2) participants’ experience of individual and collective empowerment. Fifty-one participants completed the survey, about 60% of the participants were from racial/ethnic minority groups. The results show that the scores in the post-survey were slightly better than the pre-survey for certain skills. Participants reported an increase in verbal communication, networking skills, sense of personal attachment to the community, and leadership skills. Focus group themes also identified that the program empowered these participants as they developed their skills in art and leadership. These results have implications at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Transformative learning pedagogies utilizing arts as a medium of expression can lead to transformative experiences for participants thus empowering them to design social change.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of the study, research questions, methodology, and findings
· Highlight common challenges experienced by marginalized youth in the field of art
· Demonstrate how to advocate for expanding the presence and agency of artists, storytellers, and leaders of color in the arts community
· Utilize theoretical framework to engage community and various stakeholders in the community for a social change