First International Conference in Canada about Trauma and the Arts To Be Held in Montreal

MONTREAL, Sept. 15 – International researchers, creative art therapists, mental health practitioners, artists and students will gather in Montreal from September 18 to 20, 2008 for Canada’s first-ever conference about trauma and the arts entitled Art as Witness: Art, Art Therapy and Trauma Resolution.The impact of trauma has become a major global public health issue. Incidences of genocide, war, terrorism, abuse and loss generate both collective and individual trauma experiences worldwide. Conference participants will hear how the creative art therapies are being used increasingly in trauma intervention, including drama therapy in Lebanon, children’s art in Darfur, art therapy and oratory in Canadian Aboriginal healing, and the role of art for Holocaust survivors and those who have experienced war conflict.

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Full details on the conference program and speakers’ presentations and biographies, visit:http://joseeleclerc.concordia.ca/artaswitness

For further information: Tanya Churchmuch, Senior Media Relations Advisor, Concordia University, (514) 848-2424 ext. 2518, Cell: (514) 518-3336, tanya.churchmuch@concordia.ca