Thahmina Begum, Artist-Researcher and Art Psychotherapist at Sheffield Hallam University, writes about her experiences at International Arts and Health Conferences in Doha and Ghent, and how they bridged creativity and wellbeing.
Recently, I had the privilege of participating in two International Arts and Health Conferences, where I not only attended thought-provoking sessions but also had the honour of speaking, presenting and delivering a therapeutic art workshop.
Firstly, at the Global South Arts and Health International Conference in Doha, Qatar and secondly at the International Conference on Culture and Mental Health; Refugees in Ghent, Belgium. This was truly an exhilarating experience, but when it combines two of my greatest passions – Creative Health and Health Inequalities – it becomes truly unforgettable.
Immersed in a Global Community of Artists and Health Professionals
From the moment I stepped into the conference venues, I felt a sense of community and shared purpose. Experts from various disciplines – artists, therapists, medical professionals, researchers, and educators – had gathered from around the world to explore the intersections of creativity and well-being. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with conversations about the transformative power of the arts in healthcare and community settings.
Throughout the conference, I attended insightful keynote speeches and panel discussions that delved into topics such as the role of music and dance therapy in mental health, community theatre, the impact of visual arts on patients with chronic illnesses, and the use of storytelling in trauma recovery. Each session reinforced the profound impact that creative expression can have on individuals and communities facing health challenges.
Presenting My Work: A Rewarding Experience
One of the highlights of my experience was presenting my own work to an international audience. My presentation focused on Creative Health, centring hybrid voices and complex intersectionality. Sharing my research, case studies, and insights with a room full of professionals who share my enthusiasm was both exhilarating and humbling.
The feedback I received was incredibly encouraging. Many attendees expressed interest in incorporating similar methodologies into their own practices, and engaging in dialogue with fellow practitioners allowed me to gain new perspectives on how to refine and expand my approach.
Facilitating a Therapeutic Art Workshop
Beyond presenting, I had the opportunity to lead a hands-on therapeutic art workshop, an experience that was both deeply fulfilling and inspiring. The session was called ‘Walk a Mile in my Shoes’ which invited participants to engage in a guided immersive creative process designed to promote self-expression, emotional release, and stress relief. Through a combination of mindful artmaking, reflection, and group discussion, attendees experienced firsthand the healing potential of creative health and artistic engagement.
What struck me most was the diversity of participants – therapists, healthcare providers, artists, and even individuals who had never engaged in therapeutic art before. Witnessing their openness to the process and the powerful personal insights they gained reaffirmed my belief in the universality of creative healing.
Key Takeaways and Future Aspirations
Attending this international conference reinforced the growing recognition of the arts as a crucial element in health and well-being. It provided me with invaluable networking opportunities, deepened my understanding of global approaches to arts in health, and sparked new ideas for future projects.
Moving forward, I am excited to integrate the knowledge I gained into my own practice, collaborate with like-minded professionals, and continue advocating for the use of arts as a therapeutic tool. I am also keen to redistribute knowledge power particularly to the Global South in this area. The experience left me inspired and reaffirmed my commitment to fostering healing through creativity.
For anyone passionate about the intersection of Creative Health, I highly recommend engaging with global forums such as this. The connections, insights, and inspiration gained are truly transformative.
All photographs: Thahmina Begum, Sheffield Hallam University
