Art-based practice in nature for communal well-being

Abstract

This study explores the impact of art-based research on community well-being within natural settings, under the framework of Applied Visual Art (AVA). Conducted through five workshops in collaboration with KUMA (Cultural Tourism for Well-being) and the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organisation, the research focused on engaging participants in nature mandala making across diverse outdoor environments in Finland. Through Art-Based Action Research (ABAR) the workshops aimed at progressing on each cycle. Participants, including local residents and international visitors, engaged in collaborative art-making that encouraged connections with nature and each other.

The findings indicate that art-based activities in natural settings significantly enhance individual and community well-being by promoting self-expression, reflection, and social connection. This research contributes to arts-based well-being methodologies, highlighting the potential for integrating art-based interventions into public health strategies. However, challenges such as weather conditions, scalability, sustainable funding, and addressing diverse community needs remain. Future studies should explore long-term impacts and refine methods for evaluating the effectiveness of these approaches across different cultural and environmental contexts.