| This study examined primary issues surrounding bipolar disorder in American independent colleges of art and design using traditional analytical and auto-ethnographic methods. Starting with research showing a disproportionate relationship between bipolar disorder and creativity in artists, the question was asked if then bipolar disorder would be prevalent in independent colleges of art and design. The study closely examined bipolar disorder, disability in college, independent art colleges, stigma, and postmodernism.;The study utilized a traditional literature review, and because the methodology used was partially auto-ethnographic, the observations and experiences of the author were woven throughout. Surveys were created for independent art school students, staff, faculty, and personnel at AICAD. There were also interviews with persons who had been students, faculty, or both at independent art schools.;The study revealed that, significantly, there was a dearth of literature about bipolar disorder in art schools, unlike liberal arts colleges. Based on the literature that was found, along with my observations and the data collected, it was determined that bipolar disorder is prevalent in colleges of art and design. In spite of that and an otherwise more open culture, it was found that there is a silence around bipolar disorder in art schools. There is also a significant traditional stigma and what I termed a strange stigma that may be unique to arts groups. It was questioned why such an incongruence exists. Postmodernism emerged from the literature as a strong influence in independent art colleges, and it was examined whether that accounted for the paradoxical treatment of persons with bipolar disorder. |
