Connecting through Creativity

Written by Kanling Juric, Art Therapist and Founder of Cerulean Space Art Therapy

 

The Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) is a not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering entrepreneurs to “make meaningful impact and change the world”. CBRIN offers the entrepreneurial community both the opportunity and the space for collaboration, innovation and networking. In October 2024, CBRIN partnered with Cerulean Space Art Therapy to pilot a corporate art therapy program for mental health at the CBRIN co-working space and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the participants. During the one-hour art therapy session, the participants embraced the opportunity for creativity, mindfulness and connection, and expressed feeling more present and relaxed after the session.

Mental Health for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

Entrepreneurs, founders and small business owners are often subject to tremendous stress and anxiety, balancing the demands and uncertainties of running a business, as well as having to manage other common life stressors. The increased capacity for remote working further heightens the likelihood of social isolation, which can adversely affect one’s mental health. This highlights the need for more proactive approaches to promote mental wellbeing, as well as the importance of fostering social connection and being part of a community.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health discipline that integrates psychotherapy with art making to improve the mental wellbeing of individuals and communities. Art therapy offers a non-verbal means for participants to unpack their feelings, reduce stress and anxiety, and generate self-awareness and insights. An art therapist aims to foster a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for creative expression. Making art alongside others and group witnessing can also enable social connection among participants.

Connect, Create and Collaborate

Cerulean Space is a Melbourne art therapy practice founded by Kanling Juric, a former cyber and risk professional, who has always loved art and is passionate about working with people. Combining her art therapy expertise with her corporate lived experience, Kanling sees the importance and value of implementing preventative measures to promote mental wellbeing in corporate settings. Art therapy offers the participants an opportunity to set their intention, find flow through art making, while connecting with others and immersing in the collective creative energy.

This art therapy for mental wellbeing session was held at “The Lab”, a space within the CBRIN co-working area that offered a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, which was conducive for creativity. Participants expressed appreciating the stillness and mindfulness offered by the experience, as well as having the time and space to pause and be present.

Furthermore, as a founder, Kanling is familiar with the challenges underlying running a business, and the uncertainties pertaining to leaving a stable job to pursue one’s dream. She is extremely grateful for the support provided by CBRIN and the participants. This opportunity was made possible through the introduction by one of Kanling’s long-time friend and former colleague, who is a technology founder and a CBRIN community member. This exemplifies the value of collaboration within the entrepreneurial community.

As defined by the World Health Organisation, “mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders”. In a world that is becoming more isolating, action-focused and consumerism-driven, let us find more time and space to create and connect.

Find out more below:

• Website: https://www.ceruleanspace.com.au
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerulean-space/