Our Impact
Our programmes have had a profound impact on the lives of young disabled people in Canterbury, helping participants build confidence, develop social and artistic skills, and build a sense of community.
In 2019, students at Arts Integrated participated in a University of Canterbury study which involved gathering stories and evaluating the impact our programme has had on people’s lives. Some of these stories are provided below.
Acquiring New Skills - Pauline*
“I’ve encouraged myself to do new things out of my comfort zone…. At first, I feared going on the stage, but I’ve overcome that...and I’m enjoying it.”
Before getting involved with Arts Integrated, Pauline complained that she had very little to do: “I was just bored at home, and I was wanting to make new friends.”
Art, and performance art in particular, was something new for Pauline, and she felt a combination of nerves and excitement arriving for her first workshop. However, she reported it was a very welcoming environment, with feelings of nervousness soon passing.
Pauline enjoys the wide variety of activities on offer at Arts Integrated and has found a particular passion for drama and performing on stage.
Pauline still does occasionally get ‘stage fright’ but her Arts Integrated practice sessions have taught her strategies for moving past this to perform at her best.
A new area that Pauline has been exploring is writing and directing a play. In addition to developing her performance and writing skills, Pauline feels she has benefitted from participating in unexpected ways. She states she feels fitter, less anxious, and better equipped in terms of social skills.
Self Expression in a Safe Place - Oliver*
It’s a shameless place, and everything is tolerated, you know, mistakes are made, laughs are had… it’s a really welcoming environment
Oliver is the father of two young men who were participants in the Arts Integrated programme for several years.
Oliver feels that both of his sons benefit greatly from the programme, particularly in terms of developing confidence and having “a sense of purpose, definitely, with the boys having something to look forward to… having a task to focus on.”
A key aspect of the programme that Oliver revisited several times throughout his story was his appreciation for the tutors, specifically identifying them as role models of leadership.
“Everything they pass on to the boys they seem to do with a genuine love and affection.”
Oliver feels that this teaching approach, alongside the safe, accepting environment, is reflected in the way the participants grow in their confidence and develop a passion for their craft.
Oliver’s thoughts were mirrored by another parent, Jennifer*, whose daughter has been a participant in the programme for two years. In response to being asked her perspective on the most important aspect of her daughter’s involvement in the programme, Jennifer stated, “being with other like-minded people in a safe environment. Being able to express whatever comes out and not feeling that she’s going to be judged”.
Jennifer also agreed that the tutors played a critical role in facilitating such a safe environment, saying that they “give you time to express what you need to express, and encourage and include everybody.”
Making New Friends - Luke*
“I’m hoping sometime when Arts Integrated finishes we can still keep in contact and arrange to meet up.”
Luke has always enjoyed music and re-enacting his favourite movie scenes – both of which are activities that Arts Integrated workshops nurtured and developed. He discovered new skills in these areas such as different voices, different ways of moving, and new dance styles.
Luke believes he has benefitted predominantly from making many great new friendships.
When asked if he feels if he has changed during his time with the programme, Luke strongly agreed, reporting he has learned new ways to express himself and is happier having so many friends.
Making new friends was a theme that emerged from almost all stories gathered. Pauline reported that during her time attending Arts Integrated workshops she has come out of her “lonely bubble” and into her “friendship bubble.” Her mother agreed with this, adding that there are now more people in her “friendship bubble,” which is a change compared to before she began participating in the programme.
Another participant, James, also reported enjoying and valuing the great friendships that had developed from Arts Integrated.
He described a particular friendship, that when equipped with his new artistic and communication skills from the workshops, he had been able to successfully navigate as it developed into a romantic relationship.
Increased Confidence - James*
[Arts Integrated] have the best teachers in the whole of the industry.
James has thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Arts Integrated programme for the last four years.
He has developed a range of new skills that have contributed to a marked increase in his confidence. As a result of his involvement, James became passionate about writing, discovering a particular strength in writing poems.
Writing was not something James had explored before beginning the programme. He has used his newfound skills to express feelings he would otherwise not have had the confidence to express.
“I had a crush on someone… and I couldn’t really express myself because I was very shy, so I had to devise a way to do it in song, and that’s how I express what I feel for this particular person.”
Being able to express such a personal feeling musically with this new-found confidence has been wonderfully beneficial; from these new skills, a romantic relationship developed.
In addition to increased confidence in terms of interpersonal skills and self-expression, James has developed confidence in performing arts. A course highlight for James included the opportunity to perform on a stage, and while he does still report some nervousness, he feels that he is well prepared as they “have the best teachers in the whole of the industry.”
*Names have been changed