Creative Response, BAAT’s special interest group, organised a study day on 3 October 2019 with a theme ‘Materiality and the use of objects in art psychotherapy’. The study day was hosted by The Harley Street Clinic and The Wallace Collection museum.
The content of the day was constructed to introduce the use of museum resources in therapy practice from two perspectives: one – from art therapy point of view, and another – from the museum point of view.
First part of the day was dedicated to theoretical and practical considerations of this relatively new format of practice. Helen Jury, Art Psychotherapist, who has
has been pursuing doctoral research at UCL London on this topic, delivered an insightful presentation. It was followed by thought-provoking object-handling session. Helen Jury writes:
“Art Psychotherapy in museums is a growing field and one which is becoming increasingly influential in terms of community engagement in this time of shrinking resources and reapplication and thinking around space, place and function. Both museum practitioners and Art Psychotherapists are developing exciting and innovative practice that looks at shared professional input and re-designation of museum space, objects and function”.
Second part of the day was dedicated to the museum visit, where participants engaged in art making and discussions.
Amy Chang, curator (Education Department) at The Wallace Collection, conducted a stimulating guided tour, showing most interesting highlights of the collection. She also presented to the group a museum outreach programme ‘The Wallace on the ward’, which is currently being delivered to hospitals and care homes.
Very positive feedback was received from fellow art therapists and we hope it has inspired people to work more with museum resources. There are some comments from the participants:
” I work with loss and not in museums so opened my eyes to different areas of work”.
“Really useful to consider/ bringing together different interests”.
“As a newly qualified APT having written my dissertation on this subject – it was reaffirming and helped me believe I can work in this area”.
“Very interesting and lots of material for further research. Thought provoking”.
“Energizing and so much to reflect on. So relevant to practice/ Fantastic day!”
The content of the day was constructed to introduce the use of museum resources in therapy practice from two perspectives: one – from art therapy point of view, and another – from the museum point of view.
First part of the day was dedicated to theoretical and practical considerations of this relatively new format of practice. Helen Jury, Art Psychotherapist, who has
has been pursuing doctoral research at UCL London on this topic, delivered an insightful presentation. It was followed by thought-provoking object-handling session. Helen Jury writes:
“Art Psychotherapy in museums is a growing field and one which is becoming increasingly influential in terms of community engagement in this time of shrinking resources and reapplication and thinking around space, place and function. Both museum practitioners and Art Psychotherapists are developing exciting and innovative practice that looks at shared professional input and re-designation of museum space, objects and function”.
Second part of the day was dedicated to the museum visit, where participants engaged in art making and discussions.
Amy Chang, curator (Education Department) at The Wallace Collection, conducted a stimulating guided tour, showing most interesting highlights of the collection. She also presented to the group a museum outreach programme ‘The Wallace on the ward’, which is currently being delivered to hospitals and care homes.
Very positive feedback was received from fellow art therapists and we hope it has inspired people to work more with museum resources. There are some comments from the participants:
” I work with loss and not in museums so opened my eyes to different areas of work”.
“Really useful to consider/ bringing together different interests”.
“As a newly qualified APT having written my dissertation on this subject – it was reaffirming and helped me believe I can work in this area”.
“Very interesting and lots of material for further research. Thought provoking”.
“Energizing and so much to reflect on. So relevant to practice/ Fantastic day!”
Creative Response
Nana Zhvitiashvili