For Black History Month, we collaborated with Artistic Noise on a panel discussion focusing on art therapy and communities of color. The dialogue addressed the disconnect between racial diversity and the field of art therapy. Issues that were covered included stigma around mental health and the use of language and terminology within the field. Watch, learn and listen to this insightful conversation below:
Thank you to all the art therapists who helped make this conversation happen: Moderator Liz DelliCarpini, MAAT, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS and guest participants Joshua Brancheau, ATR-BC, LCAT, Chloe Hayward LCAT, ATR-BC, Lindsay Lederman MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS, Jason Montalvo MPS, ATR-BS, LCAT, and Ariel Miles LCAT-ATR.
A few words and takeaways from our guest participants:
"It was great to share the space with such a great group of art therapists, and begin a conversation that is long overdue. I think it is a good start, but conversations like this need to happen in other venues, and with more voices so that the idea of inclusion can be more than an ideal but a reality. Hopefully, then the conversations can move towards planning change, and then implementing those plans through action."
Josh Brancheau, ATR-BC, LCAT
“Be humble, listen, especially when it's uncomfortable, and act in solidarity.”
Liz DelliCarpini, MAAT, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS
“I’m hopeful we can continue to build on creating communities of care, particularly in non traditional therapeutic settings - it’s these spaces that dismantle barriers and systems rooted in inequity and oppression. I want to honor the privilege we hold as therapists to co-create creative and safe spaces centered on the needs of the communities and individuals we serve - such as the work of Artistic Noise and The Art Therapy Project.”
Chloe Hayward LCAT, ATR-BC
“I was honored to be a part of this panel - to be an ally to the BIPOC community in the field of art therapy and support the ongoing changes we need to make to ensure our field is inclusive, informed and accessible.”
Lindsay Lederman, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS