When living in Brazil, I had some experience working with people struggling to develop their ability to work in teams. We research many activities that could help people understand why working in teams is attractive, productive, and desirable and how that could help them develop a better approach to their work independent of where and what they do.
Scientific evidence supports using art-based activities, such as painting, for team building and enhancing group cohesion. Research has shown that engaging in creative activities can promote a positive mood and enhance social bonding among group members (Gable & Poole, 2012; White & MacDonell, 2019).
Moreover, creating art together can enhance group members’ communication, cooperation, and trust (Kaimal et al., 2016). Working collaboratively on a project such as a painting can also provide opportunities for problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiation.
From a psychological perspective, art-based activities have been shown to promote psychological well-being and reduce stress (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). When people engage in creative activities, they can experience a state of flow characterised by focused attention and feeling fully absorbed in the activity. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.
Moreover, engaging in an art-based activity in a group setting can promote a sense of belonging and social support, which is essential for psychological well-being (Billett, 2011). What can be particularly beneficial in a team-building context, where the goal is to promote collaboration and a positive group dynamic.
Summarising, using painting art as a tool for team building can be a psychologically and scientifically supported way to enhance teamwork and collaboration in a group setting. By engaging in a creative activity, group members can experience a positive mood, social bonding, and enhanced communication and cooperation, ultimately leading to a more productive and cohesive team.
Here are some steps we can follow to plan a workshop using painting art:
- Set the goals.
- Choose a theme.
- Select the painting medium.
- Plan the logistics.
- Set the rules.
- Create teams.
- Provide instructions.
- Let them paint.
- Share and reflect.
- Debrief
So, let us paint or sculpt or dance or sing. Art is a medium for creativity and team building.
The Muses by H S Campoy 