The objective of this literature review is to examine the effects of previous community-based art projects that have been undertaken in local, national, and international settings. The focus is on the growing body of programs around the world that have used art to facilitate social connectedness and increased wellbeing.

Art has the power to illuminate inequities, generate discussion, give voice to and empower women, and motivate community action. Throughout this project, the potential for local government to promote gender equality through arts-based initiatives was evident.

VicHealth aims to use the power of art to raise awareness and promote gender equality, and to celebrate women. It also wants to build capacity by bringing artists and local councils together. The program has demonstrated the effectiveness of a partnership model for promoting gender equality through the arts which allows for localised implementation.

This chapter discusses some of the complex issues surrounding the notion of cultural competence—and the critical need for practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, understandings and attributes to be responsive in diverse cultural settings. The argument for culturally competent mental health practitioners and services is situated within a human rights framework which underpins the principles, standards...