“From foundations to the future” NIGAT to celebrate its 50th anniversary at 2026 annual art therapy summer school
NORTHERN Ireland Group for Art Therapy (NIGAT) will showcase Art Therapy and the use of the creative process to facilitate personal development at its 33rd Art Therapy Summer School at Merville House, Newtownabbey, from July 31st – August 2nd, 2026.
Throughout 2026, NIGAT has been running a programme of events under the theme "Looking back to go forward," to celebrate its half century, including three Day Meetings in February, June, and October, alongside its flagship Art Therapy Summer School.
Presentations at this year’s event include four from homegrown Art Therapists Sheila Lavery, Jacqueline Toal, Eileen McCourt and Dr Caryl Sibbett. Sheila’s presentation “That was Then and This is Now” will detail how she practises art therapy with clients impacted by trauma. During her presentation entitled “Post-Traumatic Growth of the Northern Ireland Art Therapist,” Jacqueline will explore the implications and possibilities of practising within a ‘post-conflict’ Northern Ireland. Eileen and Caryl will present on foundational aspects underpinning contemporary art therapy/art psychotherapy practice. A national speaker, Dr Simon Hackett, will critically evaluate manualised approaches in art therapy and present on art therapy with people with learning disabilities.
There will also be a display at this year’s summer school of artefacts from various Art Therapists who are committee members of NIGAT that reflect their individual journeys into the profession. These include an A-Level dress made during the conflict by Clare Boyd, clay work made at previous summer school by Dr Caryl Sibbett and a painting by Eileen McCourt.
NIGAT was formed in 1976, co-founded by Rita Simon and Alice Graham. Its inception was inspired by Rita Simon, a pioneering UK Art Therapist who first introduced Art Therapy to Northern Ireland in 1952.
This year also marks 74 years since Art Therapy was first established in Northern Ireland by Rita Simon, who pioneered art therapy in psychiatric after-care in Britain from 1942 and was a founder member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) in 1964. Her theoretical approach and belief in an inherent creativity have guided NIGAT's work from its origins to the present day.
NIGAT Chair Colin Sims wants to extend an invitation to anyone interested in learning about Art Therapy or to experience art making with like-minded people, to book their place:
“The weekend provides opportunities for participants to explore their relationship with art materials as a means of experiencing the beneficial effects of personal creativity. Presentations and experiential workshops are delivered by experienced, HCPC-registered art therapists, balancing theory and practice.”
“The programme is open to anyone interested in art therapy, creativity and well-being, and offers valuable CPD for practising art therapists and other professionals.” He added.
NIGAT became a Registered Charity in 1986 and has operated as a membership organisation governed by a voluntary committee throughout its 50-year history. Its diverse membership includes art therapists, counsellors, teachers, artists, nurses, social workers, and anyone with an interest in the therapeutic application of the arts.
In 2025, NIGAT members presented at the European Federation of Art Therapy (EFAT) International Conference in London. NIGAT is represented on the Advisory Committee of the Allied Health Professions (Dept. of Health), the Psychological Professions Forum Northern Ireland (Dept of Health), the Allied Health Professions Federation NI, and the Regional Trauma Service’s Research Advisory Group. NIGAT President Eileen McCourt received the BAAT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025.
For more information and to book, visit www.nigat.net and go to the ‘events’ page https://nigat.net/events/summer-school/