Pierre Leichner’s research while affiliated with University of British Columbia and other places

maladjusted was a participatory play produced by Theatre for Living and directed by David Diamond, with 18 theatre showings in Vancouver, Canada. The play explored the mechanization of mental health services and the possibility of “human-centred care.” Patients and caregivers developed and acted in the play. Using the interactive strategies of Forum Theatre, 2020 audience members had opportunities to role-play and suggest policy, resulting in a condensed 32-point policy report. Both subject pertinence and insistence on high quality theatre led to success. Engaged audiences resulted in a form of innovative problem solving that was then linked to policy makers and health care organizations.

Social isolation is an ongoing issue for those experiencing mental distress. This issue was the theme of the Windows to Discover project completed as part of an artist residency in Lille, France. This practice-based report reviews the social construction of social exclusion and the theory of socially engaged art and describes the project. A collaborative participation model was used for the process of the project. This meant that the artist facilitated the development of the work and shared with the participants the responsibility for developing its structure and contents. Mental health consumers and professionals participated in it over a period of three months. Focus groups and group readings were held, and then drawings, paintings and models were made. Construction and artwork making followed. The work was then shown at two separate community events. Five Art Psy newsletters enhanced engagement. Positive feedback was obtained, in particular improved self-esteem and group participation. However, some found the experience emotionally stressful. The project was a valuable learning experience for the artist and the participants. The positive aspect of social isolation was an unexpected observation. Drawing a larger audience into the project was difficult. Suggestions to improve this type of project are presented.