Art Therapy Programs in Museums and Art Galleries: A Program Proposal for Adolescents

Abstract

Art therapy, museums, and art galleries are in their beginning stages of collaboration, but they share common goals such as improving their surrounding communities and providing services to increasingly diverse audiences. Existing art therapy programs in museums and art galleries currently serve a variety of populations with various mental health needs; however, adolescents are underserved in these settings. The present study used methodology provided by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art's Program Resource Guide to create an art therapy program model for adolescents to be used in museums and/or art galleries in Indianapolis, Indiana. The program model includes the following components: mental health treatment needs for adolescents that can be met in the museum or art gallery setting; a recommended treatment approach, including feminist and compassion-based leadership and art therapy interventions; guidelines for educating museum staff about art therapy and for working with adolescents in these settings; ethical and multicultural issues; and potential museum and community partners in Indianapolis, Indiana. This model expands and redefines art therapy treatment options for adolescents and provides museum access for an underserved population.