What is Art & Nature Connections?
One of the key outcomes is the development of research skills by our co-researchers as we develop and expand our understanding of the themes of wellbeing in our communities.
Who is involved?
Art and Nature Connections, led by Green Tree Arts is a collaborative project that includes a group of local carers, other members of our community with an interest in either art/nature or wellbeing, working in partnership with Researcher Dr Ania Zubala from the University of Highlands and Islands.
As we move into our third phase of this project , we are widening the geographical reach out with Moray and across the Highlands and Islands.
What is the purpose of our project?
Art and Nature Connections uses a variety of research methods as its core activity. We began facilitating informal discussions as a group as to how nature-based art experiences might be relevant within our local communities and how they can be used to improve mental wellbeing, for which the results of the research thus far have been very positive.
Our group were given the dual role of participants and co-researchers and created their own research questions to further explore how Art and Nature could impact mental wellbeing, this then evolved into a series of co-designed nature-based creative group sessions.
How did the project activity work?
One of the unique aspects of this project is that the researchers also represented the community and over the last year with the support of our researcher, our group has developed their co-researcher role and skills, through their participation.
Throughout the project, we, as co-researchers, have engaged in reflection and shared our experiences with one another to increase our understanding of how art and nature supports wellbeing. Our insights and thoughts were inspired by the group activities, each other and our individual encounters with art and nature.
What tools and methods did we use?
An important aspect of this project was to consider the benefits of working within different environments to connect with nature, including online, outdoors and using natural objects.
Each individual chose whatever means of engagement suited them, whether art making, photography, poetry, or journaling. These methods of engagement were then shared to inspire and encourage us to try new things and observe the differing benefits. We used a variety of tools to capture these experiences.
