Liverpool: Living in Lockdown
The therapeutic effects of arts and culture have been recognised within clinical environments, non-therapy contexts and education. What happens when our access is affected?
Survey 2 of our COVID-19 CARE project investigates the impact on public mental health and wellbeing of restricted access to arts and culture within Liverpool City Region due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the perceived value and accessibility of alternative provision. Online questionnaires and supplementary semi-structured telephone interviews are being conducted in three waves, at three-monthly intervals. Preliminary findings emerging from Wave 1 and the experiences of approximately 80 participants thus far are as follows.
The majority of participants reported engaging in arts and cultural activity “often” before lockdown and a wide range of activities were described (for example, theatre-going, museum and exhibition visits, musical performances and gigs). Engagement was sometimes motivated by opportunities to get ideas, broaden horizons and develop professionally and personally, with suggestion that participation can lead to new ways of thinking. Indeed, the most reported reasons for engaging were “to learn” and because “it makes me feel good”.
In addition to this learning component, participants indicated that engagement may lead to deepened emotional experience, describing how engagement with arts and culture can take you out of the negative and make you feel alive. In keeping with this, some participants shared powerful memories of times where they were profoundly moved by art. Engagement may also promote a sense of belonging in terms of collective experiences and being part of a community.
The majority of participants reported “never” engaging with arts and culture during lockdown and engaging “rarely” since the initial relaxation of restrictions. Some participants described negative impacts of COVID-19 such as increased anxiety and feelings of isolation. Many reported some difficulty with getting on with work, with things at home and with other people. Some of those who did engage with arts and culture during lockdown, were motivated more by a desire to keep occupied and stimulate the mind than to stay connected.
Aspects of engagement with arts and culture, particularly the social component, do appear difficult to recreate online. Participants expressed missing breaks in online provision where they would normally interact with other people. Additionally, they found that thorough immersion in an arts activity can be hindered at home by distractions and frustrating barriers. These were perceived to be both physical and technical, including: the demand placed on energy levels, the visual strain from screen time, issues with cameras, poor internet connection and the expense of accessing content and technology. Despite these difficulties, participants acknowledged the positives derived from online engagement, for example, acquiring new technological skills and confidence.
For many, and myself as a researcher, the new ways of living have reinforced appreciation of the arts, artists, providers and innovate practice.
Dr Megan Watkins, Research Associate, University of Liverpool