Proven and Transformative: The Evidence for Arts Therapy
Last week’s exciting announcement from the NDIA that the reclassification of Creative Arts Therapy (CAT) has been paused marks a significant milestone for advocacy efforts—a moment to celebrate the power of collective action. However, this pause is just the beginning. The independent review, led by Dr. Stephen Duckett and set to conclude in March 2025, will ultimately determine CAT’s future within the NDIS. Its findings will shape whether CAT continues to be recognised and funded as a vital therapeutic support.
This review provides a crucial opportunity to showcase the robust evidence demonstrating CAT’s transformative impact, particularly its ability to improve participants’ functional capacity in communication, mobility, and psychosocial well-being. In this post, I’ll delve into the evidence supporting CAT and explore why presenting it effectively is key to securing its place as a cornerstone of the NDIS framework.
Breaking News: A Win for Creative Arts Therapy Advocacy
The NDIA has paused the reclassification of Creative Arts Therapy!
In a moment of relief and hope for participants and practitioners alike the NDIA has temporarily halted the reclassification of Creative Arts Therapy (CAT), giving time for an independent review led by Dr. Stephen Duckett. This review, expected by mid-March 2025, will evaluate CAT’s effectiveness, practitioner standards, and pricing.
What’s Happening to Creative Arts Therapy Under the NDIS?
Recent NDIS policy changes threaten to dismantle this vital support. Reclassifying CAT from 'Therapy Support' to 'Community Participation' significantly reduces funding and imposes stricter eligibility criteria. These shifts risk devaluing the profession, limiting access to qualified therapists, and disrupting the lives of participants who depend on CAT for their progress. Stakeholders like ANZACATA have raised concerns that these changes contradict the principles of equity and accessibility that the NDIS was created to uphold.
The NDIS Policy Changes That Threaten Creative Arts Therapy
At 6pm on Monday, 25 November, members of ANZACATA, the governing body for Creative Arts Therapy, received an email announcing that “Art Therapy will NOT be continued as a Therapy Support in future.” The art therapist community was in a tailspin. The funding that sustains much of their work—helping children and adults with disabilities through creative expression—was set to vanish in just seven days. The next day brought a sliver of relief when the NDIA extended the deadline to February 1, 2025, but the challenges remain daunting.
The Journey of ‘Rediscovering Self’
Reflecting on the conclusion of Rediscovering Self fills me with pride and fulfilment. This exhibition was not just about displaying art—it was a journey of self-discovery and advocacy. I embraced both artist and advocate roles, using my work to share stories of neurodivergence.
Announcing 'Rediscovering Self: The Layers of Late-Diagnosed Neurodiversity' – My First Solo Exhibition
I am thrilled to share that my first solo exhibition, "Rediscovering Self: The Layers of Late-Diagnosed Neurodiversity," will be opening on 30 August at E3 Art Space, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery. This exhibition is a culmination of my recent journey exploring neurodiversity, personal growth, and identity through art.
My Favourite Art Supplies
Welcome to my little corner of the art world, where paper is a playground of colours, textures, and stories. As a mixed-media artist, I work with various materials and techniques, combining paint, ink, and collage to create my pieces. In this guide, I'll take you behind the scenes of my artistic process and share insights into the best art supplies for mixed-media creations.
Unlock a Piece of My Art World
Today, I'm thrilled to extend a special invitation to join our growing community through the Studio Diary newsletter. Art has always been more than just a medium for me; it's a journey, a therapy, and a way of connecting deeply with others. And now, I want to share a piece of this journey with you.
Echoes of Self
Have you ever considered how the unique way we see the world shapes our creativity? This month, I delve deep into the echoes of myself, exploring the intricate dance between mixed media art and the autistic experience. My journey has led me to a profound understanding of how our unique perspectives fuel our creative expressions, especially when viewed through the lens of neurodiversity.
Through my art, I've found a voice and a mirror to my soul, revealing the complexities, challenges, and the unparalleled beauty of seeing the world from a unique angle. I invite you to join the conversation about art, identity, and neurodiversity. Let's share, learn, and grow together.
Art, Study, Balance
Between the vibrant art scenes of Melbourne and the quiet of my studio in Wagga, my start to 2024 has been a whirlwind of art and study. This post will share my journey through unit four of my Master's at MIECAT, how it's shaking up my creative process, my efforts to balance study with art, and what's coming next for me. If you're trying to juggle your passions or are curious about mixing art with study, stick around. I'm also keen to hear your stories, so drop a comment with your experiences or advice.
Reflecting on 2023: Painting My Story of Art, Identity, and Inspiration
Welcome to my end-of-year reflection! As we close the chapter on 2023, I invite you on a journey through a year marked by artistic growth, pivotal changes, and the anticipation of new horizons.
This year has been a whirlwind of exhibitions, academic pursuits, and significant life transitions. It was a year that led me to new people, places, and opportunities.
From Plate to Playground
When the chance arose to add my mark to a community-driven mural at the Wagga Wagga Marketplace, I was honoured and excited. The opportunity wasn't just about showcasing my artwork but contributing to a collective narrative of our community.
A New Journey: From Classroom to Canvas
Have you ever felt a calling so intense it becomes impossible to ignore?
Behind The Scenes
Hello, and welcome back to your monthly insight into my world of art. This month, I invite you inside my sacred creative sanctuary - my studio. This is where ideas bloom into form, inspiration manifests into tangible art, and all the mesmerising magic happens.
A New Page
Hello, and welcome to my first Studio Diary post!
My name is Tegan Bailey, and if you're reading this, you're familiar with my art but might be less acquainted with the person behind the paintbrush. In this inaugural post, I'd like to share a bit about my journey, my discoveries, and the transformative power of art in my life.