Development, implementation and evaluation of Altered States of Consciousness: an immersive art exhibition designed to increase public awareness of psychotic experiences
Arts and Health May 4, 2019 S. Riches, Rich Maskey, Patrick Dishman et al.
An immersive art installation combining a voice-hearing simulation, video, and artworks was developed with input from people with lived experience to increase public understanding of psychotic experiences such as hearing voices. The exhibition was implemented as planned, received positive feedback from 150 visitors, and was felt to be immersive, enhance subjective understanding of voice hearing, and increase compassion without being unduly stressful. A production team meeting with 10 members identified strengths, challenges, and potential modifications. The pilot successfully combined creative, academic, and experiential perspectives to enable visitors to “hear voices” and improve their understanding of psychotic experiences.