Take Up Space, You Matter!: Fostering (Re)Connection After the Pandemic Through Trauma-Informed Community Arts Programming is a joint initiative between Dr. Charity Marsh (HRI) and Dr. Nathalie Reid (CTRC) with community partners GRR!, Vibes YQR, and Femmes Across the Board. The primary research question guiding the project is: How can trauma-informed, community arts-based engagements support improved youth mental health and wellbeing in Saskatchewan in the midst of COVID-19?

Throughout May and June 2022 the research team, along with facilitators from the community partner organizations, hosted a series of workshops on songwriting, street dance, and skateboarding. Prior to the workshop series all facilitators took part in a training workshop focusing on trauma-informed arts based approaches. The participants completed pre/post surveys and the facilitators participated in focus group sessions once the workshops were complete.

Presentations on the outcomes continue to be given to the public and disseminated on the HRI, CTRC, and community partners’ websites and social media.