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

Ensemble Cymru is an orchestral ensemble promoting a wide range of performances from the intimacy of a recital duo to a 27-piece chamber orchestra. The company’s goal is to develop a national touring circuit and undertake a tour in Europe in 2020 promoting Wales’ heritage and history through its programmes of chamber music of Wales. Ensemble Cymru specialises in taking high quality performances of live music to disadvantaged communities and schools across north Wales.

The charity resident ensemble at Bangor University (where it has its offices), the North Wales international music festival, and from September 2010 at Venue Cymru. The Ensemble will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2011-2012.

c/o School of Music, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG