Facilitating Creative Spaces: Fostering Well-being Through the Arts
Schedule
Fri, 10 Apr, 2026 at 10:00 am to Sat, 11 Apr, 2026 at 04:00 pm
UTC-03:00Location
FireLoch | Antigonish, NS
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Interested in exploring how your skills and creativity can support health and wellness across the lifespan? Arts and Health (A&H) is a rapidly expanding field, and trained facilitators are needed! This two-day workshop will familiarize participants with historical origins and emerging research in A&H through hands-on learning opportunities, knowledge sharing, and exchange with peers. Be part of a growing network of A&H practitioners, enhance your understanding of theory and practice, and boost your confidence in bringing your creative skills to new audiences.
The goals of the artist training program are to:
-orient artists to the field of Arts and Health
-support their development as arts-health facilitators
-create a Community of Practice in Nova Scotia for A&H facilitators
The training workshops will enable artists to:
-Understand and be able to describe the health benefits of creative activity
-Explain the history and evolution of Arts and Health
-Create a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment for program participants
-Build the power of story, meaning-making, and improvisation into programming
-Plan and evaluate program sessions using simple tools
-Identify and know the importance of self-care strategies to support their own well-being
-Approach arts health facilitation with confidence and enthusiasm
Cost: Sliding Scale $100-$240
Registration: Please go to https://fireloch.com/upcoming-events/ to register
Rebecca Barnstaple is an Assistant Professor in Theatre Studies & the new (first in Canada!) Bachelor’s program in Creative Arts, Health and Wellness at the University of Guelph. With a PhD in Dance Studies completed in tandem with the Graduate Program in Neuroscience from York University, Rebecca’s research investigates biological dimensions of culture and the impacts of participation in the arts. A graduate of the National Centre for Dance Therapy at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens (2015), she provides education and training in dance therapy/dance for health and associated research globally. Rebecca has been involved in the development and delivery of improvisational arts and health initiatives in the United States (IMPROVment, Wake Forest University) and Canada (SingWell, Toronto Metropolitan University; Piece of Mind, McGill; Dance for Health, Nova Scotia) and serves in a leadership capacity for professional organizations including the Dance Movement Therapy Association of Canada, the American Dance Therapy Association (Research and Practice Committee), the International Association of Dance Medicine Science (Dance for Health SIG), and the International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (North America).
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Where is it happening?
FireLoch, 1533 HWY-7, Antigonish County, NS B2G 2L3, Canada, AntigonishEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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