This presentation showcases how collaborative art therapy research initiatives address complex socio-political, scientific, and healthcare dynamics to generate knowledge to advance and sustain the field. The project unfolded in three interconnected phases: 1) a comprehensive scoping review of art therapy literature and conference presentations illuminating trends, gaps, and emerging priorities; 2) perspectives gathered from art therapists worldwide through surveys and focus groups, inviting dialogue on theoretical approaches, professional experiences, and research needs; and 3) a synchronous international symposium reflecting diverse voices and priorities of the global art therapy community.
In this presentation we will address the following:
- Introduction to our project of creating and art therapy research strategic plan
- Outline of the research philosophy and methods
- Description and definition of the resulting 6-point plan, goals and strategies
- Review of the current projects being implemented to actualise the plan goals
- Future goals and next steps
- How you can join.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- To identify the rationale for a systematic and coherent art therapy research strategy
- To describe the primary reason for building a global art therapy research community
- To identify the six pivotal categories for sustainable art therapy research
- To identify three current projects in process by the Art Therapy Research Community Network
PRESENTER BIO
Dr Theresa Van Lith is an Associate Professor of Art Therapy at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Her research focuses on art-based, mindfulness, and co-designed interventions for diverse groups in educational, community, and healthcare settings. She is an ANZACATA board member and Associate Editor of Art Therapy, the official journal of the American Art Therapy Association. Her work bridges research and practice, promoting inclusive, evidence-based art therapy solutions.
Dr Nancy Gerber, Ph.D., ATR-BC is Teaching Faculty in the Art Therapy Program at Florida State University, where she received the 2022–23 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award. She is Associate Clinical Professor Emerita, founding and former director of the PhD Program in Creative Arts Therapies at Drexel University. Dr Gerber’s scholarship focuses on doctoral education, art therapy research strategic planning, and arts-based research. Dr Gerber co-created the Arts-Based Research Global Consortium to advance socially responsible arts-based research. She is co-researcher/developer of the Art Therapy Research Community Network. She has recently published a book entitled Imagination and Arts-Based Practices for Integration in Research.
When: Monday 8 September 2025
Time: 10am–11am AEST
8am AWST/HKT/SGT
12pm NZST
Duration/CPD: 1 CPD hour
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Open to: All members
Min/Max: no cap on attendees
Recorded session: Yes
Cancellation Policy:
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