Why expressive art is so important in 2024

What is expressive art?

Expressive arts therapy is a powerful approach that integrates various creative modalities such as movement, writing, music, and visual arts to promote personal growth and community development. It’s rooted in the belief that creative expression can facilitate healing and enhance mental well-being.

Expressive Arts is a field that uses the arts as a foundation for self-discovery and personal growth. The five artistic disciplines -

• visual arts
  

• dance/movement

• music

• drama/theatre
  

• Writing
  

These can provide influence for how we work, play, and live our lives today.

You don't need to be some kind of artist to get into expressive art. The activities are pretty straightforward, even if you've never done much art before. The whole idea is to use simple, fun art projects - like making paintings or collages, moving your body to music, or freewriting - to open up your senses and tap into your imagination. Connect with the resources and insights that come out when you let your creativity flow. To reach into somewhere deeper in your body, to express your suppressed emotions, and to be free.

Expressive Arts isn't really about being a master artist. It's about using the arts as a way to help yourself and heal– It is a form of art therapy, by embracing your creative side, you can discover a richer, more meaningful way of living your life.

Why is expressive art important?

Expressive art provides a channel for releasing emotions that might be difficult to express verbally. Self-exploration and expression are the fundamental functions of learning art, as agreed by 91% of professionals. Communication is the second most important factor for art learning, sitting at 54%.

When words fall short, a brushstroke, a dance move, or a musical note can convey feelings and experiences even better, as it allows individuals to process complex emotions, whether joy, grief, or anxiety.

Engaging in creative activities activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Among palliative cancer patients, The difference in anxiety symptoms of the total treatment represents a decrease of 47% Whether you’re painting, playing an instrument, or dancing, the rhythmic flow of creativity calms the mind. Hong Kong professionals delivering social, healthcare and educational services also believe that art heals the human body in indescribable ways. 98% of people affirmed that art making can lead to mental wellbeing. 85% affirmed that art making can lead to social wellbeing as well! 

The act of creating reveals insights about ourselves. It fosters self-awareness and helps us understand our thoughts and feelings, and even make stronger connections with people around us.

Art brings people together. Whether it’s attending a gallery opening, participating in a community mural project, or joining an art class, it creates connections. Shared creative experiences build bonds and combat feelings of isolation.

The new generation of art expression

Genelyst promotes self expression, consistently, whenever wherever. We offer both online and offline experience for all students.

Genelyst recognizes that the overall wellbeing of students is crucial for their creative success. It integrates mental health resources and cultivates a strong sense of community through peer support groups and opportunities. This nurturing environment helps students feel understood, valued, and inspired, leading to greater artistic growth and fulfilment. This platform at this moment will be an all student one to ensure that the people are comfortable, and are able to freely express themselves in the best ways possible.

Genelyst is committed to keeping its tuition affordable and accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, the platform is free and easily accessible for all peers to come and explore the site! By offering sliding scale pricing and need-based scholarships, Genelyst ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented students from accessing high-quality art education. Genelyst's model goes beyond just teaching technical art skills.

It adopts a holistic approach that integrates mental health resources and community-building initiatives. The aim is not to “teach”, but to inspire each other on this platform. This approach sets Genelyst apart from more conventional art classes and represents a new standard for accessible and transformative art education.