BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

 

Who we are

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ECArTE is a consortium of universities, which was founded in 1991 by the Universities of Hertfordshire, Münster, Nijmegen and Paris. It currently comprises 34 member institutions from 14 European countries. It is a non-profit-making organisation. Its primary purpose is to represent and encourage the development of the Arts Therapies at a European level, in particular courses offering nationally-validated and professionally-recognised education for arts therapists. The Arts Therapies include art therapy, dance movement therapy, dramatherapy, play therapy and music therapy.

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The Consortium's work includes:

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• Creating stronger European links in the Arts Therapies through the international exchange of staff and students

• Promoting research into methods of Arts Therapies practice within Europe

• Working towards opportunities for international study and exchange in Arts Therapies training programmes

• Promoting recognition of qualifications in the Arts Therapies at a European level

• Supporting the development of appropriate, academically recognised, nationally validated Higher Education courses for the Arts Therapies

• Publishing academic texts on current trends, philosophies and research in international Arts Therapies

• Offering opportunities for professional communication at its international conferences.

• Supporting opportunities for the development of a European Network for Arts Therapies education and practice

• Promoting and developing, at an international level, the standard and quality of Arts Therapy education offered by member institutions.

ECArTE is working towards establishing mutual recognition and compatibility in educational and vocational training for Arts Therapists within the European Community. The criteria for membership to ECArTE is subject to a fast-changing educational and social landscape. There are complex articulations of qualifications in different European Countries and ECArTE is keen to remain observant of these differences and inclusive in its practice.

The Benefits of ECArTE Membership

As a member of ECArTE universities become involved in promoting and developing, at an international level, the standing and quality of Arts Therapies education. Additionally, member institutions will benefit from:

• Opportunities for international staff and student exchange

• Enhanced opportunities for grants from the European Commission (such as Erasmus/Socrates) for curriculum development, staff and student exchange

• A network of excellence in Arts Therapies Education

• Networking and collaborations in research into the benefits of art therapies

• Membership of Action Groups focused on ECArTE mission.

• Support in the development of excellence in learning and teaching through participation in an annual General Assembly of all member representatives.

• Remaining cognisant of international developments of the arts therapies including the international student profile

• Sharing experience of course and specialist curriculum knowledge within member institutions

• Opportunities to become part of a consortium of universities for developing and enhancing standards of education and arts therapies education in EuropeReduced rates when attending ECArTE events

• An established network for research purposes, which contribute to excellence in arts therapy trainings

• Involvement in the development of specific research projects which contribute to excellence in arts therapy trainings

• Certification of the member institution, recognised by the ECArTE Executive Board that confirms the professionalism of the certificate and compliance with international standards

• Support from an international educational institution in the recognition of the Arts Therapies within the University and National context

• Use of the ECArTE logo and recognition in publicity and course marketing

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The ECArTE Executive Board February 2025​​