The first ever Aesop Institute for Arts and Health professionals, in partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University, concluded in Canterbury last month.
The Aesop Institute was launched earlier this year in response to demand from both health and arts professionals for accredited, quality-assured arts in health training, that is tailored to personal learning requirements and fits around busy work schedules.
It aims to enable those working in the health or arts sectors to develop the values and beliefs, knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the provision and growth of successful arts in health programmes.
2019 has seen the first cohort of Aesop Institute students come together for residentials in Folkestone and Canterbury and build work-based portfolios for assessment.
Students came from a variety of backgrounds in the arts and health field including producers, practitioners and healthcare workers.
Reflecting on the success of the first Institute, Professor Stephen Clift, Centre Director for the University’s Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, said:
“I am delighted to have worked with Aesop in designing and delivering this negotiated module on arts and health. Participants on the course engaged very positively and everyone generously shared their perspectives and expertise in the field. Reflective portfolios submitted for accreditation were of a very high standard. I very much hope that the Aesop Institute will continue and go from strength to strength“
Feedback from students has been extremely positive with many confirming the need for continuing professional development in arts and health…
“I
believe this course has tremendous value for professionals. It has transformed the way I think about arts
and health. I highly recommend it”
Aesop
Institute 2019 student
Looking ahead to the future development of the Institute, Tim Joss Chief Executive and Founder, Aesop, says…
“I’m thrilled that the first Aesop Institute was such a success. A big thank you to Professor Stephen Clift, our fantastic Course Director, the staff at the Canterbury Christ Church University’s Sidney De Haan Centre and all the guest speakers for their brilliant contributions. Based on the feedback from the health and arts professionals who attended, the Aesop Institute will be running again in 2020 and I’m looking forward to welcoming the second cohort of students!“
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