AATA's Annual Conference

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) is hosting its Annual Conference, a significant event in the field of art therapy, which aims to gather art therapists, students, and researchers from across Canada and the USA. This year, the conference will take place in Minneapolis and is expected to attract over 1,000 attendees, making it the largest annual gathering of its kind. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of presentations and workshops designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in art therapy.Presenters at the in-person conference can choose from multiple formats for their sessions, including full-day and half-day advanced practice courses, which offer limited seating and focus on experiential learning. Additionally, there will be 1.5-hour educational sessions that allow for hands-on experience, 50-minute lecture-style presentations featuring up to three presenters, and 90-minute conversational sessions led by a panel of three to five presenters. Also, there will be sessions dedicated to performance art modalities and 60-minute poster sessions where researchers can share their work alongside others. For those interested in virtual participation, the AATA is also organizing a two-day Virtual Conference, featuring a mix of educational sessions, interactive workshops, and fast-paced presentations, all designed to accommodate participants remotely.The conference will be organized around nine main subject tracks, allowing attendees to easily find sessions that align with their interests. Topics will cover a wide range of areas, such as therapeutic best practices, case studies, and art therapy techniques specific to various populations, including children, geriatrics, and individuals in psychiatric settings. Furthermore, sessions will focus on pressing issues in the field such as activism, trauma, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as advancements in technology within art therapy practices. Participants are encouraged to submit proposals for both in-person and virtual formats, provided they include at least one presenter with a master’s degree or higher in art therapy or a related mental health field.Overall, the AATA's Annual Conference presents a valuable opportunity for professionals in the field to network, share their expertise, and contribute to the advancement of art therapy. With a diverse array of presentations and workshops, attendees can expect to enhance their practice while connecting with peers from across North America. This event promises to foster an environment of learning and collaboration, essential for the ongoing development of art therapy as a profession.