Exploring Community Art and Its Role in Promoting Health, Social Cohesion, and Community Resilience in the Aftermath of the 2015 Nepal Earthquake

Abstract

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, followed by hundreds of aftershocks that led to physical destruction, loss, and negative mental health outcomes. Yet, in the days, months, and years following the disaster, numerous forms of community art rose from the rubble, such as urban murals, spoken word poetry, public dance performances, and sacred art. This study explored the relationship between community art and health, social cohesion, and community resilience in postearthquake Nepal. We utilized photography and audio recorders to capture 19 unique artworks/projects created in the aftermath of the earthquake and conducted in-depth interviews with 19 artists and/or experts about the relationship between art and health in postdisaster contexts. The 19 postearthquake artworks/projects ranged from contemporary paintings to Buddhist ritual dance and reflected the unique combination of the traditional and contemporary necessary for salvaging and restoring Nepali heritage. Findings revealed three key themes regarding linkages between art and mental health in the context of postearthquake Nepal. First, community art offers relief and is a mechanism for coping, through the creation or observation of art. Second, community art can be used as a means of communication, both as a tool for promoting connections and conversations in the community and by communicating messages of hope. Third, community art can promote community cohesion and ultimately serve as a tool to create physical and emotional safe spaces. Overall, there is promise for initiatives that engage artists and communities in arts-based initiatives following traumatic events, such as natural disasters, which can positively affect health. Funding support and development of partnerships with grassroots artists and creators should be promoted in health and development programming, especially for risk reduction and recovery after disasters.

“It’s Like Youth are Talking Into a Microphone That is not Plugged in”: Engaging Youth in Disaster Risk Reduction Through Photovoice

“…When combining arts and science as a strategy for knowledge translation it is important to collaborate with stakeholder groups to identify the need for an arts-based strategy, as well as what art form is most appropriate to convey the messaging ( Archibald et al, 2018 ). Community art, art freely available in community spaces, can promote health, social cohesion and community resilience post disasters ( Baumann et al, 2021 ). For instance, Baumann and Burke (2021) created a virtual art gallery for community members to submit artwork representing connection during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that the act of creating art itself had mental health and social benefits.…”

Emerging stronger from COVID-19 through arts

“…Observing or creating community art or mural paintings can offer relief and therefore is a mechanism for coping. It also enhances community cohesion and can be utilised to create emotional safety spaces (27).…”

Progressing dementia risk reduction initiatives for culturally and linguistically diverse older adults in Australia

“…murals, film, dance) could be delivered in high‐density traffic spots (e.g. GP waiting rooms, bus stops, aged care homes, libraries) 21 frequented by cultural groups. A recent initiative addressing widespread awareness in multicultural communities ( Moving Pictures ) shows excellent promise.…”