Creative participatory engagement in the context of grief processes

Dr Sian Macfie will explore creative participatory engagement in the context of grief processes - giving consideration to issues of professional learning and ethical responsibility

About the seminar

This is part of the Centre for Public Policy Research's lunchtime seminar series

Support for the bereaved is currently provided largely by the healthcare system through somatic and psychological interventions. This seminar considers the case for the provision of alternative arts-based models of support by presenting empirical research into the impact upon grief processes of participating in voice-based performance art.

Drawing upon analysis of interviews with a community theatre group performing at the Southbank Centre the paper highlights specific grief processes that are supported and identifies the particular aesthetic modalities that are most impactful.

Recommendations are offered regarding the dissemination of professional learning for both primary healthcare workers and also practitioners of the arts.

Practice and policy recommendations are also made regarding the ethical responsibilities of arts institutions such as the Southbank Centre which take a lead in initiating sensitive conversations with their audiences. 

Speaker biography

Dr Sian Macfie, independent researcher and consultant

Sian is a qualified teacher and therapist. She has worked in the education sector for many years as a specialist student mental health provider and as a teacher of drama and creative writing.

She is currently employed as an educational consultant working with school leaders to develop staff wellbeing provision and is trustee of a charity that brings artistic engagement to teenagers with terminal cancer diagnoses. 

About the event

This seminar is free to attend and booking is not necessary.