Art and Wellbeing | Interview with Rachael Parsons, Director of New England Regional Art Museum

At Advocacy & Welfare, we are all about finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety. University can be super stressful, especially when assignments or exams are coming up. However, there are lots of things you can do to take the edge off… Art, is one of them!

Studies have shown that art making can decrease stress and anxiety levels (Sandmire et al, 2012). A survey out of the UK showed that 65% of respondents viewed arts and culture as having a positive effect on their personal wellbeing (Parkinson et al, 2019).

So we thought, who would be the best person to ask about art in Armidale? … and Rachael Parsons came straight to mind!

Rachael Parsons is the Director at the New England Art Museum (NERAM) in Armidale. If you ask us, she’s a pretty impressive woman with a wicked sense of style. Rachael has a whole lot of experience bringing art into people’s lives. She has worked as a curator, creative director, academic and art tutor. We were fortunate enough to spend a few moments with her, check out our conversation below!

Tell us about how you got involved with art and where it has lead you. Did you study art at university?

Yes, I studied a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) at Queensland University of Technology. When I began my studies, I wanted to be a professional artist or an art teacher.
I first started curating exhibitions as a student. I would curate shows of my fellow student’s work and was heavily involved in Post Datum, QUT’s student run art organisation. That is when I discovered how much I loved curating, it combines both creativity and project management and I love both aspects. Art and spreadsheets! I never became a professional artist or an art teacher.

If we were meeting in a café, what would you order?

I am one of those strange creatures who doesn’t drink coffee… so I would order a hot chocolate.

Do you have any pets?

I have a pug called Theodore Franklin and a rabbit called Duchamp Louise Vuitton. I love them, they are my happy place. If you follow me on Instagram @rachaelnp you will be inundated with photos of them. They even have their own Instagram @theodoreandduchamp.

What is most rewarding about your job; what makes it all worthwhile?

At NERAM it is the people, our communities. We have an amazing and very engaged group of people who have been involved with the museum for a very long time. They have been a vital part of NERAM’s growth and activity, and they really care about the museum, they want it to thrive, and they contribute so much to make sure that it does. We have over ninety active volunteers who make all that we do possible.
Then there are other groups, some who have just started to engage with us at the museum. For example, we have just begun a women’s empowerment program with a group of Ezidi women. It has been so wonderful to meet and welcome these women to NERAM and to hopefully provide a meaningful opportunity for this community to access social and cultural activities and events.

When you see how much the museum and various programs we run mean to people, how much they appreciate and enjoy their experience at NERAM, that is when it feels so worthwhile. I also really love the art.

Being the art extraordinaire that you are, you’re probably aware of studies linking art to lower stress levels. Have you noticed this during your time in the art world? Do you find this is true for you?

There is a rising recognition of the contribution that the arts can make to health and wellbeing. Taking part in creative activities has a positive impact on people’s physical and mental health, and can aid recovery, support longer lives that are better lived.

Museum visits and looking at art can lower levels of anxiety. Interacting in creative spaces can support socialisation and the development of communication tools. Young people are using museum visits as a way to combat the stress of modern-day life and museums often provide agency for diversity and integration of communities.

I recently read an article that suggested that UK doctors were going to start to prescribe gallery visits in some cases of anxiety and depression. Museums are recognising their role as places for wellbeing.

At NERAM we have a range of art classes and workshops that provide opportunities for people to be creative as well as specific health-focused programs like our Art and Dementia program. We are also starting a yoga class in the museum!

What is your favourite arty way to de-stress? What other non-arty things do you do when you’re feeling stressed or down?

My favourite art activity to destress is to participate in some kind of beginner’s workshop where I get to learn something new and I do not have any pressure for a successful outcome. Recently I did a monotype workshop at NERAM with local artist Leah Bullen. I had never worked with monotypes before. My outcome was not particularly refined but it was fun to try something different.

I am also a big fan of yoga as a way to just find balance in my life. It is a physical activity, but it does wonders for my state of mind, keeps me calm.

I also meditate for five minutes in the middle of every day. I have an alarm that goes off at 12.30 pm and I have a few guided meditations I like on apps and YouTube and I just close my office door for five minutes and reboot. I find it helps me refocus for the afternoon and get rid of any stress that has built up over the course of the morning.

So we know that visiting art galleries and doing other cultural activities may be linked with increased life satisfaction. But, there is a perception out there that art museums are for older people.
What do you say to that? What is happening at NERAM that uni students might enjoy?

At NERAM we want everyone to be able to see and patriciate in art and culture. Our programs range from toddler art play sessions through to our creative ageing program and everything in between.

For uni students we have our UniLink program which aims to communicate relevant exhibitions and programs directly to students and to organise student specific events like our UNE Art Party that we hosted during orientation week. Our art parties combine looking at art with food and drinks and an opportunity to get creative and make your own artwork.

What do you say to anyone wanting to do more art and creative ventures?

Come visit us at NERAM and get involved. We have so many exhibitions, events, and workshops for you to engage in. If you are looking to do something that we are not providing… come have a chat, we love new ideas.

Any final words?

Art is good for you, so look, make and be well.

Big thanks to Rachael for this interview!

Why not head down to NERAM or the Armidale Art Gallery for a lazy afternoon wander? Walking around an art gallery might make you feel relaxed and inspired, but it will definitely get your steps up! Maybe pick up that pencil and start a sketch. Let art and creativity into your life in small ways – see how great it can make you feel! Get out and try one creative thing today.

Keep up to date with NERAM
Instagram @neramuseum and @museumshopneram
Facebook @neram.art