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Description
Mind-moving is a project which stems from the project team’s direct, personal and professional experience of contact with psychiatric patients. This has given the team the opportunity to identify the following needs of the target group: on the one hand, the need to have access to cultural products and to participative cultural-therapeutic activities and, on the other hand, the need that the general public respects and does not stigmatize the target group, but rather gains awareness and understanding of the latter’s pathologies. As concerns the national choreographic sector, it needs solid contexts to research, produce and represent its productions, as proposed by this project which takes into consideration both a extended research process connected to social reality, and enough resources for creating a worthful product, in accordance to the norms of the present. The general objective of the project is to promote music and dance as means to reduce disparities between the general public and persons with psychiatric diagnoses. This is put into action through three specific objectives: 1) Creating a bridge of communication based on empathy between psychiatric patients and artists, by showcasing 2 music and dance performances / films; 2) Promoting expressive creative means of improving mental health by facilitating creative-expressive workshops by artists and therapists; 3) Consolidating the choreographic production framework based on interdisciplinary research by creating and presenting a durational performative exhibition to be visited by at least 600 persons, in Romania and in Norway. Bilateral relations shall be consolidated by the intensive involvement of the Norwegian partner (NOPA) both in creating and presenting the performative exhibition (musical background) and in identifying and organizing the Norwegian edition of the exhibition (management). The artists and managers shall have the opportunity to work together, exchange experience and best practices.
Summary of project results
The Mind-moving project was developed based on the project team''s personal and professional experiences working with psychiatric patients. These interactions highlighted two key needs within the target group: first, the need for access to cultural products and participatory cultural-therapeutic activities; and second, the need for greater understanding and respect from the general public, aiming to reduce stigma and increase awareness of psychiatric conditions.
The project''s overarching goal was to use music and dance as tools to bridge the gap between the general public and individuals with psychiatric diagnoses, fostering inclusivity and reducing disparities.
The project facilitated a communication bridge based on empathy between psychiatric patients and artists by presenting two music and dance performances or films from the collaborating artists'' portfolios within psychiatric hospitals. It promoted the use of expressive and creative methods to improve mental health by organizing creative-expressive workshops led by artists and therapists. These workshops involved the participation of inpatients and hospital staff, fostering collaboration through job shadowing.
The project also strengthened the choreographic production framework through interdisciplinary research, culminating in the creation and presentation of a durational performative exhibition in both Romania and Norway. Additionally, it supported one innovative approach to audience development through cultural heritage and facilitated six contemporary art activities, contributing to the overall cultural and therapeutic goals of the initiative.
The project had significant outcomes for various beneficiaries. Six hospital staff members participated in workshops with patients under a job shadowing arrangement, enhancing their ability to address patient needs with more diverse and effective approaches. This improved their day-to-day work within their institutions and reduced their risk of burnout by equipping them with new methods. In the medium and long term, these staff members can add value to their field by disseminating the techniques learned, benefiting current and future patients. The impact of these efforts extends socially, psychologically, professionally, and economically.
Forty-eight chronic and acute adult patients from the hospitals participated in the workshops, gaining access to cultural productions and engaging in participative activities that fostered creative expression and connection.
Seven artists involved in the project significantly improved their skills in the niche field of art and mental health, a pioneering area in the country. They benefited from the expertise of international professionals, received remuneration for their work, and expanded their network of international collaborators. This not only opened new opportunities for their artistic careers but also contributed to the broader artistic community by raising awareness, enriching the cultural offerings in this niche, and establishing a model of good practice.
Additionally, the project reached over 1,300 attendees through cultural activities and created seven new jobs, further amplifying its social and economic impact.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner, NOPA (the Norwegian Society of Composers and Lyricists), contributed significantly to the project''s bilateral cooperation. Their involvement included organizing a casting process to select a musician-composer, resulting in the participation of the artist Stina Moltu. They also facilitated the identification of Dikemark Hospital and coordinated an exchange of experience with an art therapist. This exchange provided valuable insights into the role of art in mental healing and highlighted systemic differences in how mental health is perceived and treated in Norway and Romania.Additionally, NOPA identified and secured the Trafo Kunsthall gallery as the venue for presenting the performative exhibition. They also organized a networking dinner for the entire project team, which was attended by the Romanian ambassador, further strengthening the collaborative relationships and fostering connections across the two countries.