Ep. 11: Technology and Interdependence

In this episode, Isabel Fryszberg, a leader in arts-based occupational therapy in Canada, chats with Anna about how she has used the arts to co-create community, build belonging, promote occupational justice, and facilitate wellbeing. We discuss the privilege that is often associated with the arts and the importance of breaking down barriers to accessing the arts. Coming into occupational therapy with a visual arts background and inspired by the Living Museum, Isabel lead the creation of the Creative Works Studio, an art studio to promote wellbeing amongst people living with mental illness in inner city Toronto. Through the Creative Works studio, people discovered their love of art, that they could do it, and some became working artists. Co-designed with members of the studio, 'What's Art Got to Do With It' was born as a way to share knowledge about the impact of the arts on wellbeing and, as a valued occupation, how engagement in the arts can be transformative and enable people to realise their possibilities. Most importantly, we can start doing the arts at any age - we don't need to be good to experience joy doing artistic occupations, and if we want to, we can practice to become skilled.
Recommended links:
Isabel's website: https://www.isabelfryszberg.com/
What's Art Got to Do With It Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_q7bzdl4cA
The Living Museum: https://untappedcities.com/2019/03/25/go-inside-the-living-museum-at-creedmoor-psychiatric-center-in-queens/
The Creative Works Studio: http://creativeworks-studio.ca/site/
Facebook group for occupational therapists interested in bringing arts-based occupations into practice: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2506275573029276