We invite proposals for virtual presentations, workshops, and pre-recorded creative arts performances and short films that will support conference participants to connect, experience, share and be inspired. We particularly welcome proposals that address the importance, challenges, and possibilities of offering art therapy during these unprecedented times.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Art therapy, research, teaching and creative practices to address racism, oppression, and social inequities and work towards decolonization

• Widening access to art therapy services, research, training/education, and support

• Art therapy practices in addressing challenges, mental health concerns, and marginalization in the context of COVID-19

• Art therapy practices in addressing the impacts of the pandemic, such as social isolation and loss

• Virtual / online art therapy 

• Holding hope and looking to the future 

The conference will be scheduled in a two-to-three hour time slot each day, over three weekends, in consideration of different time zones, work and life schedules, and the effect of extended screen time. The total number of live presentations and workshops will be 18. Closed captioning will be available. Videos of creative arts performances/short films will be made available for conference participants to view in their own time. Conference fees for presenters will be waived.

SESSION FORMATS

Presentations and panel discussions: 50 minutes. Oral presentation of theory, research and/or practice. Can include brief art activities (see note below about materials).

Workshops: 90 minutes. Workshops to engage participants in a hands-on process for experiential knowledge-sharing and reflections (see note below about materials). To facilitate connections and due to limited screen space, each workshop is limited to 16 participants.

Creative arts performances/short films: up to 30 minutes. Digital video recording related to the conference theme and subtopics, including but not limited to animation, short stories, reading of original poetry, spoken word, and music or dance performances.

Note about art materials: Presenters and participants will provide their own supplies for sessions. Please plan to use supplies that can be readily sourced (e.g. basic art-making materials, found objects at home, etc.), or easily substituted by participants.