Ugandan Artist–American Art Therapist Collaboration With Former Unhoused Youth in Uganda

Abstract

A 10 week supportive arts program was conducted in Jinja, Uganda via the collaboration between a local nongovernmental organization, a Ugandan artist, and two art therapists from the United States. The artist facilitated weekly artmaking sessions for former unhoused youth being served by the organization, as well as engaged in weekly virtual meetings with the art therapists. Anecdotal observations of the program indicated therapeutic benefits, such as participant’s general willingness and flexibility, increased adaptability to art making, and investment in program sessions. Further implications include the impact of colonialism and the resulting power imbalance that influences the relationship between artists and art therapists.

Keywords:

• Art therapy
• psychosocial support
• cultural humility
• Uganda

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rachel Crawford

Rachel Crawford is an Art Therapist in Private Practice in Nairobi, Kenya. Fred Kyakuwa is a Freelance Artist in Kampala, Uganda. Katharine Walker is an Art Therapist in Private Practice in Fairfax, VA.