Thesis
Art programs that serve the homeless population in Philadelphia
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Dec 2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000987
Abstract
This study analyzed arts programs serving homeless populations to determine what effects they had on the participants individually, and how these programs might be specifically effective within the ecosystem of services for the homeless population. I reviewed the literature regarding the recent circumstances of homelessness, the larger theories and studies on outreach, and case studies of art programs serving the homeless population. This establishes the background for my primary research which consisted of interviewing the art facilitators at two Philadelphia art programs serving this population. The homeless population is not a monolith and the art programs take many forms depending on the specific situations and needs of participants, and the missions and budgets of the organizations that fund them. Major outcomes for participants were positive identity transformation, the utilization of artmaking as a coping mechanism, building social bonds, and increased self-esteem. Current themes in homeless outreach emphasize housing and participant-directed recovery utilizing a wide range of programmatic choices to meet the varied needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. In this setting, art programs are beneficial as an extension of participant options but may also provide personal benefits for the participants that may extend beyond art and into other aspects of their recovery. The art process may yield personal positive outcomes, and the art object may play an elusive role as a self generated creation that gives the creator wider achievement recognition, public validation, and income channels.
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Details
- Title
- Art programs that serve the homeless population in Philadelphia
- Creators
- Daniel Mahlman
- Contributors
- Jean Brody (Advisor)Salina Almanzar (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- v, 48 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991014695544504721