Planning the Structure of the Programme and Activities

An Arts on Prescription programme can include culture and arts genres such as:

• performing arts such as singing, dancing, and acting.
• visual arts, design and crafts such as painting, clay modelling and sewing.
• digital arts such as photography, animation, and filmmaking.
• literary arts such as reading, creative writing and storytelling.
• cultural activities such as going to museums (e.g. arts- and local history museums), galleries, concerts, community events, cultural festivals, and fairs.

An AoP-programme includes 3-5 culture genres as it provides a combination of activities that have a broader appeal and requires no previous experiences to participate (as the target audience may be new to the fields of culture and arts). 

For example, one programme might include activities such as pottery, music, and photography. In this way, participants have the chance to be introduced to different types of activities and find out which genre they may develop an interest for.

Once the target audience for the AoP programme and appropriate referring channels and methods have been determined, consideration should be made on how individuals, who have received a prescription, can be appropriately introduced into the AoP programme.

There is scientific evidence on the positive effect of both passive and active engagement with arts (link to the reference).

It is recommended activities incorporate both types of engagement. Participants engaging actively in activities creative processes, their body and tactile senses are activated with potential to release their own creative expression. Passive engagement can also enhance creative expression, such as viewing paintings in museums or listening to music, can stimulate, inspire and release feelings of contentment and joy to the participants. 

The AoP programme structure can vary from 1-3 activities per week depending on your target audience.  If the participants are unemployed or retired it may be feasible with 2-3 activities weekly as they may have more time to participate. Whereas AoP programmes tailored for students or employed people might only offer activities once a week, as it is more manageable for the target audience. 

The time schedule should be designed according to the needs of the respective target audience. Too many changes or too much intensity (e.g. different locations, many different activities) can be confusing for participants and prevent individuals in feeling secure.  AoP activities which are on the same days, and same time every week during the 8-12-week programme can provides structure and reliability. 

To ensure the structure and planned activities are suitable for the target audience, it is important to involve the target audiences in evaluating the AoP programmes concept and activities. Therefore, one should consider what evaluation methods should be used, based on what is relevant for your AoP programme to evaluate e.g. improved mental health, return to the labour force, reduce loneliness etc. The steering group or working group should discuss the evaluation methods to be incorporated into the programme activities prior to the implementation of the AoP programme. Ongoing evaluation of the activities makes it possible to adapt them according to the needs of the target audience.

For the course of the individual activities, it is also helpful to establish a certain structure as a starting point. On this basis, the activities can be adapted to the needs, interests, and input of the group.

This means that while a clear structure is provided, participants may also be invited to contribute and provide ideas for the flow of the activities. Of course, the structure should also be adjusted if the link worker or culture and arts facilitators find the structure does not fit the needs of the target audience.

The following recommendations can be used to create a good structure for AoP-activities:

• Rituals create security and trust. For example, every meeting can be started in the same way, which will contribute to setting the mood to engage the participants in the culture and arts activities.
• Breaks during each activity allows for social interaction in the group. There should also be the possibility for individuals to take a time out and rest if needed.  The need for breaks will largely depend on your target audience – persons with stress may need more breaks, while young participants may need less. 
• Each activity should offer an open space and opportunities for personal exchange between participants.
• Engage participants to give feedback at regular intervals so that the programme can be adjusted if necessary. 
• Stay flexible! A good overall structure provides a good foundation for the programme, but flexibility is necessary to adapt the activities to the needs of the target audience.

AoP programmes usually take place at cultural and arts venues which increases a cultural ambience to the programme.  However, in the event of venues with limited accessibility (for persons with restricted mobility where steps and stairs can be an issue), AoP programmes can also take place in educational institutions, community centres etc where accessibility allows for person with restricted mobility and wheelchair users.  Outdoor venues can offer a delightful natural setting for many culture and arts activities.

Depending on local contexts the venue for the AoP programme can be the same venue throughout the programme or multiple venues meeting and engaging with culture and arts in their natural environment. If the activities are at multiple venues, it can be helpful for the target audience to meet with the link worker at the same meeting point every time and go together to the activities.

When deciding on venues, consider lighting, warmth, comfort, and a room that is not too small or too big. The foremost aspect to consider is the creation of a ‘safe space’ where the target audience can freely and actively engage in creative activities and social engagement that promotes a sense of belonging.

Materials and equipment required for the activities will most likely correspond with the same materials and equipment the culture and arts institutions use in their daily culture activities.

Consider the target audience when thinking the need for materials and equipment, older people may find it difficult to master fine motor skills or people with certain disabilities, where easy to handle equipment should be available to them. Always consider safety measures in the materials and equipment in the activities. 

Photo: Saldus

Artistic excellence is not the primary goal of AoP programmes; thus, the chosen equipment need not meet the highest standards of the respective art activity. Instead, ensure that tools, materials, and equipment are accessible to participants of varying abilities. Consider alternatives or adaptations to accommodate different needs.