From Head of Therapeutic Studies

Abstract

Goldsmiths is delighted to provide the setting for the International art therapy conference ”˜Finding your voice, making your mark’ and takes great pleasure that we have attracted conference delegates from all over the UK and internationally. The conference is hosted and organized by the new department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies (STaCS), of which art therapy is a part. The core values which inform the work of STaCS reflect the spirit and values of this conference: a shared commitment to social justice; the encouragement of diversity through participation and empowerment; developing critical and reflective practices; engagement with education, health and social services in the public, private and voluntary sector; and a commitment to reaching out to local, national and international communities. In welcoming you all to Goldsmiths, I would like to highlight three ways in which these shared values inform the relationship between STaCS and the aims of this conference.