Art Therapy, Race and Culture

While therapists are increasingly working with multi-ethnic client groups, there is a paucity of material available for them to develop approaches, which meet diverse cultural and racial needs. Art Therapy, Race and Culture is a stimulating and inspiring collection which explores the often contentious themes of race, racism and culture in relation to the experience of art therapy, in a positive and constructive way. Contributors examine the impact of racial perceptions in their own experience, their clients' lives, and on the interaction of therapist and client. The potential of art therapy as a force of liberation, and art therapists as cultural activists, is explored. Cultural differences in meanings applied to 'colour' and to the nature of art are also discussed. Illustrated with line drawings and photographs, the book presents work, ideas and theories based on the practical experiences of therapists from many different backgrounds and their work with clients from equally diverse origins.

Jean Campbell has had an extensive career as an art therapist in medical, community and educational settings. She currently works in private practice and primary health care. Marian Liebmann worked in education, art therapy, victim support and probation, and has been involved in community, victim offender and schools mediation. For eight years she worked for Mediation UK, the umbrella organization for mediation, as director and projects adviser. She has written/edited seven books in the fields of art therapy, mediation and conflict resolution, and contributed chapters to many others. She currently divides her time between freelance mediation training, art therapy, supervision and writing. Frederica Brooks recently trained as an art therapist at Goldsmiths College, London, after pursuing a lengthy career in fine art and community arts. Jenny Jones is an artist and art therapist, and is studying an MA in feminist history, theory and criticism of the visual arts at Leeds University. Cathy Ward has a background in fine art and community arts, manages a social service family unit and is a visiting lecturer on the play therapy diploma course at Roehampton.The editorial group are all members of the Art Therapy, Race and Culture Group (of the British Association of Art Therapists) and are from diverse backgrounds, including African-Caribbean, British, Irish and Jewish.