For decades, psychologists have understood the power of art therapy. Research indicates it can alleviate pain and improve moods; however, few institutions have dedicated funding towards it. The global pandemic has dramatically changed the needs of the public, according to The New York Times: “compelling cultural institutions around the country to create trauma-aware initiatives that put their art collections and educators at the forefront of a mental health crisis”.
Specific museums are already exploring the way in which they can reopen and meet the needs of their community. The Met plans to model their reopening in the same way they did after 9/11. Works will be tailored to the community accordingly, avoiding particularly traumatic images to prevent their visitors from being triggered.
Dina Schapiro, assistant chairperson at the Pratt Institute’s Creative Arts Therapy Department believes that art therapy could even be used as a source of income for museums. “Art therapy is typically funded by insurers,” she notes, “You already have patrons coming into museums and paying a fee. It would be especially good for people who are resistant to the traditional venues of therapy like an office.”
For Stephen Legari, a trained art therapist employed at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, a more conventional year would see him meet the needs of around 1,200 individuals.
However, “In quarantine, you’re looking at the same things in your apartment every day,” he says, “The repetition is grinding down your capacity to concentrate. By contrast, museums are places for wonderment, beauty and awe.”
