“Working Creatively”
By becoming absorbed in creative and artistic practices, members enter a state of ‘flow’, a term coined by the psychiatrist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to describe what happens when we become totally absorbed in what we are doing.
Flow is a subjective state that is marked by a loss of self and a drop in awareness of the outside world, during which we lose track of the passage of time. This might sound extreme, and yet it is a familiar experience to anyone who has become deeply immersed in an activity, be it sport, making art, or getting lost in a good book. It is what occurs whenever a person is interested in and challenged by an activity.
At Arts Network, members are encouraged to cultivate this flow state and become totally absorbed in what they are doing, leaving aside any worries or anxieties that they might have in their wider lives. This kind of creative engagement has been shown to be a powerful factor in improving wellbeing and mental health.
“I always feel happier and less anxious afterwards”
“Healthier, Happier Community”
Loneliness and isolation are both a cause and consequence of mental ill health, having been shown to have a major impact on our self-esteem, our motivation and our physical health. By inviting members into a welcoming community of peers, Arts Network seeks to create a space in which individuals can build relationships and interact with other people in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
