title: An exploration of artists' perspectives of participatory arts and health projects for people with mental health needs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study addresses the views and experiences of artists who run participatory arts and health courses for those with mental health or social problems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative research with 11 artists from three different organizations providing participatory arts and health courses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. Participants provided oral contributions that were transcribed and then thematically analysed by the authors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants described perceived positive benefits of participatory arts and health courses, including developing friendships, self-expression and creativity, a non-judgmental environment, along with key issues arising, including managing challenging behaviours and provision of follow-on options.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results indicate that improvements in well-being can be identified by artists during courses, the activity can help develop friendships, courses can be well managed in community settings, and benefits of follow-on activities should be investigated in future.
authors.affiliation: Primary & Public Health, William Harvey Building, Anglia Ruskin University, Bishops Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK; South Essex University Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, The Lodge, The Chase, Wickford SS11 7XX, UK. Electronic address: kerrie.margrove@anglia.ac.uk.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Margrove
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pope
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Mark
mesh_terms: D001154:Art; D001155:Art Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Mental health; Qualitative; Social inclusion; Thematic analysis; Visual art