ART AS SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE By Rebecca Hotz A Project Presented to The Faculty of Humboldt State University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Social Work Committee Membership Cesar Abarca Ph.D., Chair Hunter Fine Ph.D., Committee Member Lonyx Landry, Committee Member Marissa O’Neil Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator July 2015 Abstract ART AS SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE Rebecca Hotz The focus of this project is the coordination and implementation of an event that exemplifies how the arts can be a sustainable form of social work practice that is not only effective for individuals but also holds great potential for entire communities. Interventions in social work that incorporate the arts can be applied in therapeutic settings as well as to promote awareness and social action. Utilizing the arts provides tools that sustain individuals and communities. To explore the potential applications for the arts in the field of social work I have reviewed literature relating to the beneficial properties of the expressive arts in a variety of arenas under the purview of social work. In particular I will address the application of the arts in clinical therapy, specific examples of the instrumental role expressive arts have played in liberating oppressed communities, and the community building that is involved in establishing these avenues for creative expression. To implement my project I collaborated with local performers that promote expressive arts therapy to hold a concert presenting their work on April 23rd, 2015. The event was successful in its attempt to build community and demonstrate expressive arts therapy. ii Table of Contents Abstract ................................................................................................................... ii Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 Background ............................................................................................................. 2 Purpose Statement ................................................................................................... 2 Project Aims............................................................................................................ 4 Limitations .............................................................................................................. 4 Definitions of Terms ............................................................................................... 5 Approaches ............................................................................................................. 5 Anticipated Outcomes ............................................................................................. 6 Project Assumptions ............................................................................................... 7 Rational or Significance .......................................................................................... 7 Literature Review.................................................................................................... 9 Street Theatre ........................................................................................................ 11 Music for Romani Survival ................................................................................... 12 Estonia: Tradition and Cultural Identity Overcoming Violence ........................... 16 Performance Interacting with Community............................................................ 18 Benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy for Individuals ........................................... 19 Materials and Methods .......................................................................................... 23 Participants ............................................................................................................ 23 Sustainability Plan ................................................................................................ 24 Results ................................................................................................................... 26 Ethical Considerations .......................................................................................... 27 iv Limitations ............................................................................................................ 28 Implications for Social Work Practice .................................................................. 28 Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 30 References ............................................................................................................. 31 Appendix A: Event Flyer ...................................................................................... 34 v Art as Sustainable Practice 1 Introduction My project is to promote healing practices rooted in the expressive arts for individuals as well as communities and cultures. The project consisted of coordinating a performance-based community event that implemented how expressive arts can enrich a diverse population and provide avenues for visibility, support, and healing. My work culminated in a concert that took place on April 23rd, 2015, featuring artists whose work demonstrates expressive arts therapy. The activities related to the implementation of this project varied from studying the application of the arts in social work, direct grassroots organizing, collaborating with local performers, negotiating with venues, and promoting the event. In order to organize support for my project I performed poetry readings for various events. I had a small team that advertised the event and mobilized interested parties to attend. A number of performers and I developed the event over the course of eight months, during which time the line-up frequently changed. The project went through many evolutions as different artists became involved with the project and gave their contributions before the final aesthetic was reached. The end result was a concert of performers local to Humboldt County featuring an introduction to the healing properties of the didgeridoo, three hip hop artists, and a reggae band. The project served its purpose and was both engaging and entertaining. Art as Sustainable Practice 2 Background In order to explore and promote the arts as a form of healing I have dedicated my project to support diverse artists that were brought together to serve their communities. Many of the acts participating in the event are local Native American performers that have a vested interest in the success of Indigenous youth in the arts. One group of artists involved in the project is Into The Current, a reggae band fronted by Conor Handley. Handley is also a member of the Unified Students of Humboldt, a group of students at Humboldt State University that advocate for the rights of students of color. The band clearly states their political stance in their lyrics, “Respect existence or expect resistance.” Performers involved in the project, such as Into The Current and others, strive to communicate their message of social responsibility and call to action to mobilize their community. Purpose Statement The purpose of the project was to promote the arts as sustainable practice for social workers, as well as demonstrating avenues for healing and social change that utilize expressive arts therapy. The event not only presented the work of the artists involved but also supported their work by providing them with opportunities for exposure and to sell their merchandise. Supporting local artists will foster more opportunities for artistic programming locally in the future. Art as Sustainable Practice 3 Performance as therapy is important because it is a powerful way to expedite and enhance healing. When community members, healing methods, and performance arts intersect there are benefits for individuals that need the support of a community in their personal therapeutic process. There are also benefits for communities to express their grief or sense of loss when they have experienced shared tragedies such as economic hardship, oppression, genocide, natural disasters, public outrage, and hate crimes. Performance can be useful as a coping skill during these intense periods. When a large group shares the same sentiments or frustrations that the performer is expressing, the effect is similar to that of talk therapy because the subject matter resonates with the audience as a whole. Performing with and/or for a group creates an exchange of energy between the participants in such a way that the process is reciprocal for both performer and audience. This reciprocal exchange creates a high level of engagement that produces meaningful healing similar to ceremony. It is vital to ensure that these opportunities are preserved. We as a society can fund more projects like this one by supporting any number of non-profits that organize artists that bring the arts to young people. One place among many in Eureka, California that make the arts accessible to young people is the MARZ Project. The MARZ Project provides equipment and guidance for their participants to explore a variety of art forms complete with their own recording studio. By supporting these organizations with monetary contributions or in-kind donations of materials ensures that young people have these expressive outlets available for generations to come. Art as Sustainable Practice 4 Project Aims My project aims to utilize grassroots organizing