CreateWell Facilitator Learning Series Supports Artists and Community Wellness

The Quinte Arts Council (QAC) is launching a Facilitator Learning Series designed to prepare local artists to lead arts-for-wellness programs through the community-based CreateWell initiative. Led by facilitators Jodi Cooper of Creative Way and Maggie Stevenson of Blue Roof Studio, the series will provide artists with foundational skills in inclusive, supportive group facilitation while helping build a growing network of arts-for wellness practitioners across the region.

Due to strong community interest, the first series is now fully registered and has moved to a waitlist. The QAC is actively working to secure additional funding to continue offering this training opportunity in the future and expand access for more local artists.

The training series is intended for artists interested in facilitating creative wellness experiences in community settings. Through experiential learning, peer support, and guided facilitation practice, participants will explore how the arts can create spaces for connection, belonging, self-expression, and community care.

Arts-for-wellness programming is increasingly recognized as an important part of community wellbeing. Participating in creative activities can help reduce isolation, encourage social connection, support emotional expression, and create opportunities for people to feel seen, heard, and valued. Unlike traditional art instruction, arts-for-wellness facilitation focuses on the creative process rather than artistic skill or outcome, offering welcoming and accessible experiences for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The Facilitator Learning Series will also help artists understand the distinctions between being an art instructor, an arts-for-wellness facilitator, and a mental health professional. Participants will learn how to foster safe and inclusive spaces while maintaining healthy boundaries and participant-centered practices.

Following the training, participating artists will have the opportunity to facilitate paid CreateWell sessions at community partner agencies throughout the region. The program not only supports community wellness, but also contributes to the development of a local “arts care economy” by compensating artists for their skills, knowledge, and facilitation work within community health and wellbeing spaces.

Janet Jarrell, Executive Director of the Quinte Arts Council, says the initiative reflects the
growing role of the arts in community care and connection.

We are grateful to the City of Belleville and to our community partners for supporting programs like CreateWell. Investing in artists to lead these sessions strengthens both community wellbeing and our local creative sector. This work creates meaningful opportunities for artists while helping build more connected and supportive communities.

The Facilitator Learning Series will take place over three sessions in June at the Belleville
Public Library, with a follow-up session planned for the fall. While the current training is full, interested artists are encouraged to join the waitlist and stay connected for future opportunities as the program continues to grow.

https://www.creativeway.ca/

Photo credit: yourtango.com