VR-based art interventions refers to using VR technologies and other immersive environments to support artistic expression and facilitate mental well-being for populations at a risk of mental health condition. Clinical evidence demonstrates the benefits of using virtual environment (VR) technologies in preventative health; however the practical implementation of VR art therapy may remain diverse and manifold. There is a need to share experiences, knowledge and best practices based on both scientific evidence and clinical practice among therapists, educators and artists themselves.  

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We invite therapists, educators and artists to join ART4MENTAL Think Tank to learn, discuss and share experiences on using VR-based art interventions in promotion of mental health and well-being. The ART4MENTAL Think Tank is an expert advisory platform that brings together professionals from the fields of art, mental health, education, and digital technologies. Its goal is to share practical experiences, identify best practices, and formulate recommendations for the use of VR art therapy in various settings. The Think Tank’s outputs will be used to develop methodologies, recommendations, and other activities of the ART4MENTAL project. At the same time, it supports interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge transfer between the cultural, educational, healthcare, and technology sectors.

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Through research-based talks, technology demonstrations and interactive discussions, participants will learn and share insights on topics such as:

• Artistic expression as a method to support resilience and well-being
• Virtual reality (VR) and immersive environments in promotion of mental health, well-being and resilience
• VR-based art interventions in mental health care  practice and promotion of good well-being
• Young adults and other vulnerable populations as users of VR-based art interventions

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We will explore these two questions in particular:

• What are VR-based art interventions in health promotion and clinical practice?
• How can different professionals, including therapists, educators and artists themselves, use VR art therapy in their professional practice?
• How can VR-based art interventions be sustainably integrated into education, rehabilitation and mental health across Europe and Ukraine?

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The Think Tank will contribute to the development of practical guidelines, policy recommendations, and strategic recommendations for the ART4MENTAL project funded by Creative Europe Programme (project number 101256141). The outcomes will support future implementation of VR art therapy in cultural institutions, educational environments, rehabilitation centres and mental health services. Special attention will be paid to the needs of young people, displaced persons, women and patients in rehabilitation centres, which are key target groups of the ART4MENTAL project.

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Why to participate?

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Participation in this Think Tank provides participants with new knowledge and insights on VR-based art interventions in clinical practice and health promotion. Participants will have a possibility to share their previous professional experiences, participate in genuine discussions, learn about new technologies and methods, and be inspired by novel interactive technologies for mental well-being. Through interactive discussions, participants have a possibility to engage in creation of new knowledge on VR-based art interventions in health care practice in the Art4Mental project.

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How to participate?

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Participation is free and open to any professional therapist (e.g. psychologist, psychotherapist, art therapist, occupational therapist), educator and researcher (e.g. university researcher, teacher, lecturer, professor), representative of art policy and practice (e.g. representative cultural institution) or professional artist (including but not limited to visual art, photography, media art, performing arts). Participants should have at least 1-2 years of professional working experience in one of the fields (mental health, education or creative arts), but experience on VR art therapy itself is not required. We invite participants across Europe and Ukraine regardless of their geographical location.

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Please register to the Think Tank Online Event through the registration link before August 31.

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Programme: Online Event: VR-based art interventions in mental health promotion

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Expected benefits for participants

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After the online event, participants will have learned and shared their experiences about:

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• Artistic expression in mental health promotion
• Virtual reality (VR) and immersive environments as wellness technologies
• VR as a form of therapeutic intervention
• Possibilities to use VR and immersive environments in educational contexts
• Expected benefits, but also limits, of VR-based art interventions in clinical practice and health promotion

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Follow-up engagement

‘After the online event, all participants will be provided a possibility to continue engagement with the ART4MENTAL Community of Practice Platform. Participants may be invited to contribute to future Think Tank activities, review draft guidelines and policy recommendations, participate in dissemination activities, and support the wider implementation of project outcomes within their professional communities. Participation in ART4MENTAL Community of Practice is voluntary, and provides a possibility to continue the engagement with the project after the event.

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Data management of personal information

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We will follow the GDPR regulations in handling your personal information. Please note, that to ensure the quality of the documentation, we will ask your permission to audio record the online event. Your personal information will be used only during the registration to the Think Tank of ART4MENTAL project. All documentation will occur anonymously, indicating that no personal identifiers will be published in any of the materials.

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Expected Outputs of Think Tank

• Collection of expert opinions and best practices.
• Identification of opportunities and barriers for VR art therapy.
• Recommendations for artists participating in ART4MENTAL.
• Recommendations for therapists and educators.
• Input for future project guidelines and policy recommendations.
• Identification of potential stakeholder networks supporting project sustainability.

All recommendations generated during the event will be documented, analysed and synthesised into a Think Tank Report that will serve as an input for project guidelines, training materials and policy recommendations.