Our project

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The Artruism Foundation has developed an innovative tool for addressing mental health challenges: a program that enables health professionals to prescribe 12 free group art therapy sessions (1.5 to 2 hours each), offered both in person and online, as part of a scientific research study at www.art-prescription.org.

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These workshops are facilitated by certified art therapists and experienced artist-facilitators and are conducted under the research framework of Concordia University. Participation is entirely voluntary.

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The goal of these sessions is to improve mental health and enhance well-being.

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This innovative approach is a medical adaptation of the Art Hives model, originally created over 20 years ago by Dr. Janis Timm-Bottos of Concordia University. Today, nearly 50 Art Hives exist worldwide.

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No prior painting or drawing skills are required. Participants only need curiosity and a willingness to explore creativity through recycled materials, paint, pastels, and more. The art therapist and artist-facilitator provide guidance and support throughout the workshops.

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No artistic experience or talent is necessary—just an open mind.

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THE WORKSHOP PHILOSOPHY

 

• Welcome all interested people, artists or not

• Encouraging the development of individual strengths and creativity

• Foster autonomous experiences of creativity, learning, sharing and know-how

• Promote the use of recycling resources, including an abundance of art materials
   

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OUR ART THERAPISTS

 

Our art therapists are professionals trained in art therapy combining art and psychology. They encourage creative expression, observation of artistic achievements and introspection. Their expertise helps participants overcome barriers related to common mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, mild depression, and address isolation. They aim to help participants better understand their strengths and take on new challenges.

 

OUR ARTIST-FACILITATORS

 

All of our artist facilitators are, first and foremost, artists trained at Concordia University’s Art Hives.

 

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WHO IS THE PRESCRIPTION OF 12 VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON ART THERAPY WORKSHOPS FOR?

 

To any adult resident in the province of Quebec who suffers from:

 

• Mild or moderate depression

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Sense of isolation

 

MENTAL HEALTH IN ASSOCIATION WITH OTHER DISEASES:

 

Mental health can also be associated with several other diseases or conditions, such as heart disease, a cancer diagnosis, mild early dementia, etc.

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[1] Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 18, Issues 3-4, June-August 2010, Pages 160-170

[2] Education of creative art therapy to cancer patients: Evaluation and effects. Journal of cancer education 23 (2), 80-84, 2008

[3] Psycho-Oncology:  Journal of the Psychological, Social and Behavioral Dimensions of Cancer 16 (11), 980-984, 2007

[4] Depression and Anxiety in Cardiac Disease. Psychiatric Times, Vo 33 No12, Volume 33, Issue 12.  2016, December 26

[5] Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 39(1), 1-11, 2014

[6] www.elsevier.com/locate/artspsycho

[7] Mahendran et al. Trial (2017) 18:324 DOI 10.1186/s13063-017-2080-7

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