"Beyond Crisis" Seminar Series: the event idea

Welcome to the "Beyond Crisis" Seminar Series: Psychosocial Health and the Arts, a collection of collaborative events where NHS clinicians, esteemed academics from Brunel and beyond, come together to imagine, explore and investigate arts-based psychosocial practices and our futures. This exploration is grounded in understanding the role of arts and addressing factors that pose threats to social stability, inclusion, existence, and human experience. 

Our primary aim is to foster an environment where knowledge is cultivated and shared, supporting the development and integration of art-based initiatives that champion social change towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Throughout this seminar series, we will invite speakers who collectively contribute to building a comprehensive knowledge base. This foundation will empower us to effect meaningful changes in practices within NHS settings, social environments, and patient experience, ultimately fostering sustainable living during this critical juncture in our human evolution. 

Within this series, we will critically examine leading theories from the realms of arts and health, arts therapies, social work, psychology, and health. Our intent is to challenge prevailing ideologies that inadvertently privilege a heterosexual, abled, white, Western hegemony. By engaging with diverse perspectives and inviting speakers to share research and insights on social change, we aim to stimulate the development of innovative co-creative approaches through arts, alongside rigorous evaluation of their impact. 

We recognise the therapeutic potential of various arts forms, including visual arts, drama, music, dance, and creative digital activities. These are seen as essential elements in our journey to enable sustainable inclusive social change. Consequently, this series has been established in response to the growing imperative of generating academic, social, community, interdisciplinary, and health-related resources.  

We also seek to expand the evidence base regarding long-term impacts amidst global crises, focusing on arts-based practices, particularly those that significantly affect mental health and overall wellbeing. In addition to these efforts, we aspire to foster dialogues, build networks, and engage in research collaborations with healthcare professionals, students, and clients. These seminars will act as a catalyst, providing a platform for debates, open communication, and theory-in-practice engagements. We envision a space where presentations, experiential work, performances, research endeavours, and student-led seminars come together to bridge theory and practice, creating a vibrant and transformative clinical-academic environment.