A Study on the Caracteristic and Cases of Complex Cultural Space of Outsider Art

(Research background and purpose) Since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR) in Paris in 1948, stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations against people with mental disabilities are still widespread. Improving the quality of life of the disables and helping to raise social prejudice and awareness through art and culture can be a creative solution for achieving social justice and coexistence. The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics and cases of complex cultural space for outsider art (made by physically and mentally disabled people). (Reseach method) After clarifying the definition, value, and specificity of outsider art, we have categorized the characteristics of community-based complex cultural spaces for outsider art into three categories: physical, psychological, and social environment; then we have derived sub-characteristics into; accessibility, openness, safety, artistry, inclusiveness, economic feasibility, participation, education, healing, and creativity. In light of this, we have analyzed qualitatively the history, function, and programs of overseas outsider art complex cultural space cases through official space specializing in exhibition sales and archives of outsider art in a renovated psychiatric hospital, providing free artistic and creative environment regardless of genre and medium for people with mental illness and helping their cure. Scotland's 'Project Ability' and Rotterdam's 'Galerie Atelier Herenplaats' adopt local solidarity and coexistence as important value, helping people with mental illness unleash their inner creativity and be respected by community members as colleagues. However, most of the cases lacked the use of natural elements, scenery, and health lighting system to relieve the stress of mentally disabled people who have a strong need for stability and comfort due to delusioins, hallucinations, and disorganization symptom. There was also a lack of use of natural elements, scenery, health lighting system and audiovisual privacy. We also discovered some improvement have to be made in the organic connection and arrangement of private and public spaces to ensure communal living. (Conclusion) As such, the significance of this study is to provide knowledge on the meaning, characteristics, and cases of complex cultural spaces that provide the disabled and the socially vulnerable class with freedom of hands and imagination in their daily lives. We hope that future research will continue on the planning and design of inclusive cultural space.