A importância da expressão artística para a criação de vínculo com adolescentes: uma experiência em um serviço de liberdade assistida e prestação de serviço à comunidade

Abstract

Art has always been present since the dawn of civilization, manifesting in different ways, such as music, dance, painting, sculpture, literature and cinema. Artistic expression can even be considered one of the first referees of human existence. Even in unequal conditions, young people have engaged in a wide array of artistic productions, demonstrating its potential as a means of expression, violence prevention, income generation, and influence on public policies. In this context, this study analyzed the "Tuning into Transformation" project, developed by the Centro de Orientação ao Adolescente de Campinas (COMEC), a Brazilian Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that supports young people from Campinas, São Paulo in conflict with the law. The project is formed by young people that aims to communicate their narratives, disseminate information and foster discussions on various topics through youth-centered languages. The objective was to describe how the project functions and understand the young people's view about the artistic expression’s impacts in their life, based on their experience at the NGO. Methods: The research involved participative observations during five project’s activities and six interviews with young people and four with the staff. The observations were registered in a field diary, and the interviews were transcript. The data was discussed by content analyses. Practice Implications: The results indicate artistic expression can be used as a means to ensure social rights, fostering a sense of belonging, autonomy, and new opportunities for social participation. Occupational therapists have abilities to work in a communitarian and territorial approach, enhancing the bonding between them and adding to the space with resources that facilitate young people's social participation and emancipation. Conclusion: By participating in the project, these young people found a safe space to discuss and joint reflection and were able to set new goals for themselves. The study highlights the importance of artistic expression with young people in conflict with the law, as a strategy to amplify their body of knowledge and individuals and collective connections.