Community, Health and the Arts 'Vital Arts - Vibrant Communities' Conference
UNESCO Observatory presents
Community, Health and the Arts 'Vital Arts – Vibrant Communities' Conference
5-7 September 2008
Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne
Today there is increasing awareness that the arts play a crucial role in improving the health and social wellbeing of communities.
Over fifty years ago, the World Health Organisation proposed that health is not merely the absence of illness but a complete state of physical, mental and social wellbeing dependent on a range of elements physical, psychological and social. We now know that cultural practice is significant among these factors. Whether we observe performing artists allied with youth workers to tackle homelessness, the rise of patient-focused architecture in public hospitals, or the use of arts education to promote health in schools, we see compelling evidence that the arts can have a considerable impact on social and institutional life.
As the therapeutic and transformative possibilities of arts programs continue to attract interest from practitioners in diverse fields, the importance of multi-disciplinary research and collaboration is increasingly apparent. The achievements of such partnerships can often go unrecognised or undocumented in research, policy and analysis.
The aims of this conference are:
- To bring together people with shared interests in the arts in order to encourage activities that cross disciplinary divisions, to exchange knowledge and inspire creative partnerships;
- To gather credible evidence about the contribution made by the arts to community health;
- To develop approaches which embed the arts within health policy and planning.
Call for Papers
The UNESCO Observatory welcomes 15-minute papers that address the following themes:
Healthcare and social therapy: insights and observations gathered from arts programs in education, healthcare, community development, youth services, alternative health practice, disabilities and access.
Public space and the built environment: insights and observations gathered from design and architecture programs in hospitals, parks, community centres and other public spaces.
Cross cultural arts programs: contributions to indigenous arts, planning and health care. Observations and insights from community development in Asia and the Pacific.
Strategy and methodology: ideas for developing collaborations in multi-disciplinary research and programs. Strategies for developing networks, opportunities and support for artists working in the health sector. Insights on method for evaluating health-arts programs.
Abstracts should be of 250 words for a 15-minute paper with a 200-word biography. Forward submissions to the Conference Director, Lindy Joubert, C/O Helen McNab, by Thursday 31 July 2008.
- Download the Conference Registration Form
- Download the Abstract Submission Form
- Download the Conference Brochure
Who should attend?
Artists, health workers, academics, researchers, planners, policy makers, government and non-government agents, indigenous artists, local and international community development practitioners, teachers, therapists, representatives of not-for-profit and community groups.
Important Dates
April 14th |
Abstract submission opens |
July 31st |
Abstract closing date |
July, Friday 18th |
Standard registrations close |
September, Friday 5th |
Late registrations close |
September, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th |
Conference |
General Information
Helen McNab
T: +61 03 8344 9026 Monday to Wednesday 9:30 am – 3:00pm
F: +61 03 9503 0720 7 days, all hours
E: helenem@unimelb.edu.au
Postal Address: UNESCO Observatory
Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning
University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia