ARTISTS REIMAGINING THERAPY & SYSTEMS “ARTS”
ARTS - Is a program responding to the mental health needs of artists and arts-workers to provide hope, support and tangible tools for making measurable growth and change. Being an artist or arts-worker has always meant a life of impermanence and uncertainty, but the pandemic lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions led to heightened levels of unemployment, social isolation, financial insecurity and disconnection from support systems for the entire arts community. This program was piloted beginning in the Summer of 2020 with Dave Schwing & James Calleri and a second pilot group formed in the Fall of 2021 with Darrell Martin and Brian Spitulnik. The energy and success of these two groups and the inspiring artists who have participated, along with some funding - ARTS was born.
Click the following link to learn more about the program and eligibility: ARTSNYC.ORG
Information about the pioneer group:
In the Summer of 2020, Dave Schwing and Casting Director/Acting Teacher James Calleri teamed up and began meeting with a diverse group of actors and performing artists who were devastated by the impact of the pandemic and the industry-wide prolonged shutdown. “Systems" group therapy is a large part of Dave's psychotherapy practice and he and James pioneered a “Systems Training for Actors and Artists” group through Calleri Studio.
The group became an essential part of the lives of the group members, helping them with stabilization, reducing depression, crisis management, problem solving, skills development, support and improving an overall sense of well being during the Covid 19 crisis.
The group work provides connection to a community and an opportunity to learn a practical approach to growth and change, improve communication and creativity and manage conflict. Dave and James create an open and safe space for artists and provide containment and support for the group to build upon the work they do together. Actors have called it, “a giant exhale.”
This group along with another pilot group run by Darrell Martin and Brian Spitulnik in the Fall of 2021 were the impetus that developed into Actors Reimagining Therapy and Systems "ARTS" and is now foundational to the project.
