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At a time where mental health awareness has taken centre stage, the ArtScience Museum in Singapore has emerged as a leader in fostering wellness through creativity and innovation. Their programme, The Art of Being Calm, is a testament to the museum’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges and promoting wellbeing in a unique and inclusive manner.
A Programme Rooted in Understanding
The genesis of The Art of Being Calm was the recognition of the critical importance of mental health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Adrian George, Director of Exhibitions and Museum Services at the ArtScience Museum, one of the programme’s key architects, explained, “Taking care of one’s mental health is not a plug-and-play solution. Everyone’s journey is deeply personal and unique.” This understanding shaped the museum’s approach, which emphasises that wellbeing can be nurtured through simple, accessible activities that individuals can undertake in their own homes.
The programme’s primary goal is to provide tools and inspiration for people to explore their mental health journeys in ways that suit their personal needs. This concept resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, as it underscores the idea that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all pursuit.
Inspiration Behind the Initiative
Adrian George and his team drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including online articles and traditional magazines. The surge in mental health awareness during the pandemic provided a wealth of insights into the small, everyday activities that can positively impact wellbeing. Doodling, for instance, often dismissed as a trivial pastime, emerged as a surprisingly effective stress-relief tool.
The team also tapped into their personal experiences, sharing their coping mechanisms and mental health journeys during team huddles. These sessions not only fostered a sense of camaraderie but also provided valuable insights into the diverse ways individuals navigate mental health challenges. This collaborative and introspective approach has been instrumental in shaping the programme’s content.
A Collaborative Effort: The “MENTAL” Exhibition
The museum’s collaboration with Science Gallery Melbourne on the MENTAL exhibition is another cornerstone of its mental health initiatives. This transdisciplinary project seeks to challenge societal biases and stereotypes surrounding mental health. By showcasing a spectrum of perspectives through art installations and interactive exhibits, the exhibition highlights the diversity of mental health experiences.
In a conversation about the exhibition, Charleen Leo, Exhibition Producer at the ArtScience Museum noted, “We aim to educate visitors and trigger a shift in how they perceive themselves and others. The work showcases how wide the spectrum of lived realities can be.” The collaboration has also allowed the museum to include artworks from Southeast Asian artists, broadening the exhibition’s cultural and geographic scope.
Hybrid Programming: Reaching Global Audiences
The ArtScience Museum’s pivot to hybrid programming has been a game-changer. During the pandemic, restrictive measures limited on-site visits, prompting the museum to enhance its online presence. Emma Lee, Manager of Museum Education at the ArtScience Museum, highlighted the benefits of this shift: “By slightly adjusting the tonality of our offerings, we were able to attract more attention and expand our reach.”
Programmes like ArtScience at Home and ArtScience at School have enabled the museum to engage with global audiences and local school groups alike. These initiatives recreate the museum experience through virtual platforms, offering interactive learning opportunities that resonate across age groups and cultures. The success of these programmes has even sparked interest from collaborators in mainland China, eager to adopt similar models in their institutions.
Supporting Staff Wellbeing
Internally, the museum has taken significant strides to prioritise the mental health of its staff. As part of Marina Bay Sands, the parent organisation, the museum benefits from a robust staff welfare framework that includes counselling services, hobby groups, and volunteering opportunities. However, the museum has gone a step further by establishing a Diversity Awareness Working Group. This ground-up initiative has had a transformative impact, fostering a culture of inclusion and mutual support.
Adrian George elaborated on the museum’s approach: “We’ve implemented mentoring support and private counselling for staff who need it. Recognising that team members respond to challenges in diverse ways has been key to our efforts.” Team-building activities, both online and in-person, have also played a crucial role in maintaining morale and cohesion during difficult times.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the ArtScience Museum is committed to continuing its hybrid programming model, balancing in-person and online offerings to maximise accessibility and engagement. As Charleen Leo aptly put it, “Awareness is the first step towards meaningful change.”
The museum’s efforts exemplify how cultural institutions can serve as catalysts for mental health awareness and action. By blending art, science, and empathy, the ArtScience Museum has created a blueprint for addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time. As audiences around the world continue to engage with their programmes, the museum’s impact on mental wellbeing is poised to grow even further.
