About the Project

This research project aimed to explore how trauma-informed, community arts-based engagements can support improved youth mental health and wellbeing in Saskatchewan amid the impacts of COVID-19. By focusing on creative practices such as songwriting, street dance, and skateboarding, the project provided meaningful opportunities for youth to reconnect, express themselves, and build community in a post-pandemic context. It also contributed to the development of a trauma-informed framework for community arts programming and offered valuable insights and resources to guide future initiatives that prioritize youth mental health through the arts.

Methodology

The research team co-created a series of arts-based workshops including songwriting, street dance, and skateboarding, with three community partner organizations to explore mental health benefits for youth and facilitators. Six facilitators (two from Girls Rock Regina, two from Vibes YQR, and two from Femmes Across the Board) received video training based on a trauma-informed arts-based Facilitator Training Manual before leading the workshops, which ran for 6–8 weeks.

The workshops were delivered in two phases:

1. Pre-Post Surveys: Youth participants completed pre-surveys before the workshops and post-surveys afterward. Pre-surveys focused on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, feelings about starting the workshops, and prior experience with the art forms. Post-surveys captured their experiences during the workshops and future intentions. Facilitators also completed pre- and post-surveys.

2. Focus Groups: Four focus groups were held: three with facilitators from each organization and one combined session with all facilitators to discuss their experiences, challenges, successes, and insights gained throughout the workshop series.

Findings

Key Themes from Participant Surveys Responses:

• Trusting the Process: Participants felt that gaining new skills and support helped them trust the process and remain hopeful for positive outcomes.

• Trauma-Sensitive Relationships: Supportive environments made it easier to take risks and learn, emphasizing the importance of attunement and relationship-building.

• Arts in Community Practice: Using art was a way to connect with others and foster a community feeling among participants.

• Peer Support: Peer connections were crucial for a sense of belonging, learning, and managing stress.

• Pandemic Experiences: Participants shared feelings of isolation and anxiety, finding comfort in supportive group settings.

• Building Confidence: Community-based, trauma-sensitive arts helped participants boost their confidence and self-esteem.

• Joy and Connection: Artmaking, peer bonds, and community activities fostered shared experiences of joy and connection.

Key Themes from Facilitators/Instructor Focus Groups:

• Support for Facilitators: Community facilitators valued support and mentoring in their roles.

• Legacy and Craft: Facilitators highlighted the historical significance of the art form and its role in their work.

• Mentorship and Connection: Facilitators found creative ways to connect with each other, their programs, and the community.

Project Outreach

Findings were shared at several North American conferences and workshops among both academic and non-academic spaces. Innovative partnerships with the Child Trauma Research Center will lead to future impactful projects in Saskatchewan.

Resources Created

• Findings shared through research team’s website: https://www.humanitiesresearch.org/take-up-space/

• Toolkit created: https://www.humanitiesresearch.org/about/take-up-space-you-matter-toolkit/

• Podcast dedicated to this project entitled: “Let’s Talk Research” (found of research team’s website)

• Documentary directed by Dr. Marsh inspired by this project- “I'm Gonna Play Loud”: Girls Rock Regina and the Ripple Effect (July 2022) https://rpl.libnet.info/event/6803433

• Presented findings at several conferences:

  • YWCA Power of Being You Conference, Regina SK, November 2022. (C. Marsh, A. Scandrett, J. Bells).

  • International Association for the Study of Popular Music-Canada, Laval University, May 2023. (A. Scandrett, J. Bells).

  • GETCA, March 2023. (C. Marsh, N. Reid, A. Scandrett, J.Bells).

  • HRI Research Showcase, University of Regina, April 2023. (C. Marsh and N. Reid).

  • Virtual presentation at 6C-EDI, impro & poetry (May 19, 2023)

• Future presentation at the 6th IAFOR International Conference on Arts & Humanities in Honolulu, Hawaii (January 3-7, 2026)

• Webinar presentation: Spotlight on Research – Saskatchewan Mental Health Research (February 28, 2023) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRW9HKMgqxo&t=1465s