Radcliffe, Spaces of Wellbeing - what is so special about special needs art studios

The aim of this thesis is to discover the common experiences of art studio participants in relation to wellbeing. This has become a topical issue over the last decade as arts based methods have crept into both the social and health work fields claiming benefits to wellbeing such as improved self-esteem and social capital. This research was implemented using the qualitative research methods of individual semi-structured interviews, focus groups and observation. Participants from four different art groups participated in this research, from an art workshop in a special care rehabilitation centre in Pieksämäki and from community-based art studios for special needs artists in Kuopio and Varkaus. The results show that wellbeing is supported by the studios emotionally, psychologically and socially. Emotionally the workshops generate regular 4 positive emotion, allow participants to engage with personal interests and reduce negative emotions. Socially the workshops produce bonding, bridging and linking capital, meaningful attention and supportive social norms. Psychologically the workshops produce purpose and continuity in life. In conclusion arts interventions could be valuable tools for supporting the wellbeing of people with special needs.