People living with mental health conditions in Brisbane have been participating in free university-level arts courses thanks to Griffith University.
The eight-week courses were taught by university tutors and were designed to foster creativity, build confidence and develop new skills through creative writing, singing, acting, studio drawing and painting.
Named ‘Mosaic’ to reflect the coming together of diverse pieces to create a cohesive, vibrant, and impactful whole, the program was open to adults currently receiving support for their mental health, with a desire to engage and learn.
Program Director, Associate Professor Jane Fowler said the education focus, rather than a traditional patient health focus, represented a new way of working in mental health.
“Mosaic provides access to education for people who might otherwise not see it as a possibility,” she said.
“Students are fully engaging in the process of learning while being immersed in the university environment, in this case the world-class facilities of the Queensland Conservatorium and Queensland College of Art and Design.
“The courses are shortened versions of normal first-year courses, but without any assessment involved.”
It was Belinda Doonar’s first experience of a university environment.
“The classes have really helped me elevate out of certain aspects of PTSD,” Ms Doonar said.
Mosaic’s Deputy Director, Professor Matthew Molineux was delighted with the success of the classes.
“We’ve had one student who has gone on to a degree program and another who has secured a job” Professor Molineux said.
The current schedule of courses has concluded. Classes will begin again in 2026.
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