Offering a Creative Outlet to Bring Humanity and Dignity to Those Experiencing Homelessness in Nashville

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2026

Presentation Length

30 minutes

College

Watkins College of Art

Department

Art, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Dale Addy

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

We will present research we discovered through meetings with homelessness organizations in Nashville and Amsterdam. We will discuss the difficulties in finding a consistent definition of homelessness, the struggles the homeless face, common misconceptions, and offer an outlet for them to create for their community and share their stories. Through working with The Rainbow Group in Amsterdam, we saw how forms of expression, enabled by organizational support, help volunteers make people feel seen and like they are helping a greater cause. By implementing this way of thinking into a workshop for Nashville's community at People Loving Nashville, we hope to give people an outlet to create art, work as a community, and share their stories.

Comments

This Project is in coordination with Dr. Harkins Class presentation, "Studying Homelessness Globally: What Comparison Reveals and Obscures & A Human-Centered Approach to A Very Wicked Problem." 

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