Artist Jason Wilsher-Mills announced as ambassador for the British Association of Art Therapists
The British Association of Art Therapists is delighted to announce that acclaimed artist Jason Wilsher-Mills has been appointed as our first ambassador.
Jason is known for his vibrant work exploring disability, class, family, activism and popular culture. He has exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale and at the Wellcome Collection.
Jason has also worked to raise awareness about disabled people’s experiences and break down barriers to viewing and creating art for the wider disabled community.
Recently his work has been recognised in the King’s honours list, where he was awarded an MBE for services to the arts and disability.
Jason Wilsher-Mills said:
I am really honoured to have been asked to be an ambassador for the British Association of Art Therapists. I self-medicate with what I do in my practice as an artist, so I understand how powerful art can be. I’m looking forward to bringing that message of what art and art therapists can do it to a wider community and to the public.
Chief Executive Gary Fereday said:
We’re thrilled to announce our first ambassador. Jason’s work beautifully embodies the unique power of art and the belief that creativity should be accessible to everyone. At the British Association of Art Therapists, we’re committed to helping people understand what art therapy is and how it can change lives, and we’re excited to work with Jason to share that message with the public and decision-makers alike.
As an ambassador, Jason will support our public engagement campaigns – including This Is Art Therapy – and help raise awareness of the importance of creativity to our health and wellbeing, and the value of art therapists.
Jason’s new role aligns with our ongoing mission and work to ensure everyone understands what art therapy is and improve access to art therapy services.
Notes to Editors:
- Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, delivered by trained art therapists (also known as art psychotherapists). Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. See our full definition: baat.org/art-therapy/what-is-art-therapy/
- The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) is the professional association for art therapists in the UK, promoting the value of art therapy and supporting professional practice: www.baat.org
- For enquiries, please contact: Senior Communications Officer, Kat Starczewski at kat.starczewski@baat.org