Case Example: Art as part of a curriculum based intervention

I intern with with Columbia University Social Intervention Group piloting a curriculum based STI/HIV intervention with couples, specifically males under community supervision (most of the time it's probation) and their female partners. The intervention is made up of 5 sessions that begin with a warm-up activity, and the warm-up activity for one of the sessions is an art activity. The curriculum asks the couple to each draw their own picture of their experience with community supervision.

In class a couple of weeks ago, we were discussing what it means to have the appropriate materials when asking clients to make art. We only have copy paper at my agency, and only one box of scented markers that is shared by two of my colleagues. Out of the ten colors that were supposed to be in the box, I was only able to locate four (brown, black, yellow, red). I understood that there was a message behind the incomplete materials that I would be presenting to them, and the profound thing that I was asking them to do.
I know that if I were a client and I was given those colors and asked to draw about an intense experience like community supervision, I'd feel like the activity was pointless.

It was a perfect example of how agencies recognize that art can be helpful in our work, but also how it is not taken seriously as a modality that requires resources.

PS. The other colors were eventually relinquished by my colleagues, but I had to promise to bring them back. We are not very good at sharing apparently.