Negotiating evolution and change for the art therapy profession through co-production and partnership working

Abstract

The International Journal of Art Therapy (IJAT) Board of Editors has grown this year to reflect a broader cultural, international and professional mix. Involvement and dedication by the IJAT Board comes from a shared regard to support the growth and innovation of art therapy practice, research and theory. Innovation can require changes in something established to bring new ideas to practice. Change can occur in response to reflexivity and at times to situations beyond our control, such as the Coronavirus pandemic. How we respond to, initiate and identify change are themes that run throughout the articles in this issue of IJAT. In the art therapy profession, art therapists are required to be practising artists and often have experience in delivering both arts and health projects and art therapy. Recently, the use of the arts within the health industry has grown. In June of this year, the virtual Culture Health and Wellbeing International Conference welcomed 520 delegates, including 250 speakers from 30 countries, with art therapy contributing under the arts and health umbrella. This fast-expanding sphere encompasses the use of art in varying practices creating the opportunity for rich partnerships, but also demands clarification of the different professional frameworks involved.