What are the Arts Therapies? Arts therapies are forms of expressive therapy that uses the creative process to improve a person’s emotional and physical, wellbeing. There are four professions:

• Art Therapist/Art Psychotherapist

• Music Therapist

• Drama therapist

• Dance Movement

Arts Therapists are experienced and qualified practitioners in their chosen art form and are trained at Masters post-graduate level. They are State Registered with the UK Health Professions Council (HPC). Arts Therapies is the therapeutic use of art, music, drama or dance within a professional relationship, for people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and those who seek personal development. Through creating art, engaging with music and reflecting on the products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences and enhance cognitive abilities.

About the therapist: Arts therapists are professionals trained in both the arts and psychotherapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, artistic traditions, and the healing potential of creativity. They use the creative medium in assessment, treatment and research.

Where they work: art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. Primarily found in the NHS, Social Services and other government settings such as HM Prison Service. They can provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health; learning difficulties; child development & health; physical medicine and forensic institutions. Beyond clinical settings, practice in community outreach programmes; schools; extra care livings schemes; nursing homes; open studios and independent practices in the independent, charitable and voluntary sector.

At the Health Board Art and Music therapists work within in these services:

• Adult Mental Health (secondary and primary care)

• Adult Forensic Mental Health (Medium Secure Unit)

• Child & Adolescent Mental Health

Bocs is a supportive network of young artists encompassing visual arts, music and performance. The group is currently working towards securing their future in new premises which will encompass exhibition, studio, and collaborative project space in the center of Caernarfon.

Oriel Dafydd Hardy, Y Maes, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2NF

For support and advice on event organising and / or art initiatives in your community contact Gwynedd Council’s Community Arts Unit. Community Arts Grants, grants for schools, the ‘Night Out scheme’ amongst others are available.

Caernarfon Archives, Economy & Community, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH

Cytser – the constellation project is a dynamic new theatre and production company based in Gwynedd. The company has been created to produce and present theatre, drama, dance, music, new writing, art and community events in an area that includes Harlech, Dolgellau, Barmouth, Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Y Bala and Tywyn.

Tyddyn Du, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2TH

The Agency supports arts activities in the fields of music, dance, drama and art in primary, secondary and special schools in Gwynedd and Anglesey. We allocate school grants, training opportunities for artists and teachers and organise special events. If you are an artist and would like to work in schools or if you are a teacher who would like to stage an arts project, please contact us for more details.

c/o Community Arts Unit, Caernarfon Archives, Economy and Community, Council Offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH

Set within the grounds of Parc Glynllifon, iard craft workshops are a perfect chance to be creative within the stunning backdrop of the estate which features extensive woodland walks, sculptures, an arboretum and numerous follies, fountains and cascades. Parc Glynllifon is located on the fringes of Snowdonia National Parc and is only a mile from the beach.

These unique art and craft courses are hosted by the resident artists whose studios are located in the Grade 2 listed estate workshops and courtyard. Your enjoyment, creativity and inspiration is guaranteed in this relaxed and friendly environment.

A full list of courses is available all year round. There’s a wide range of skills being taught by experienced and award winning artists:

Ann Catrin Evans – Sculptor.
Angela Evans – Jewellery Designer.
Sioned Rowlands – Floral Designer.
Richard White – Wood Caver.
Dave Stephen – Slate Art
Alma Schofield – Fibre Art.
Wini Jones-Lewis – Artist.

You’ll find a hive of activity at all iard creative events with something to suit all ages and abilities.

Parc Glynllifon, Ffordd Clynnog, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 5DY

We support community and voluntary groups. So if you’re looking for help to set up a new art venture or applying for a grant or training courses contact Mantell Gwynedd.

23-25 Y Bont Bridd, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 1AB

The Meirionnydd Artists’ Society is a registered charity that promotes the artistic endeavours of its members. The society offers friendly tuition, selling exhibitions, critique evenings and social events. New members are always welcome.

c/o Valerie Land (Chairman), Isfryn, Penybryn Terrace, Y Friog, Dolgellau LL38 2NZ

This group provides a support network and exhibition opportunities for about 35 artists who live in Gwynedd. Members are expected to follow professional practice and create new work for the group’s exhibitions. Entry by submission of portfolio.

Gwynt y Môr, 1a Bro Cymerau, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 5PY