4th Conference “Art Therapy for Life” – Challenges and Opportunities in Social Support, the Labour Market, and the Economy
4th Conference “Art Therapy for Life” – Challenges and Opportunities in Social Support, the Labour Market, and the Economy
October 17, 2025
Poznań University of Economics and Business
The “Art Therapy for Life” conference is an annual event hosted by the Poznań University of Economics and Business, bringing together an interdisciplinary approach to education, therapy, and management in line with the latest global trends. At its core is the concept of STEAM, which enhances the traditional STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) with the vital component of ART, highlighting the role of creativity and the arts in social and economic development.
This is the fourth edition of the conference, organized by the Poznań University of Economics and Business in cooperation with the ARTEVITAS Foundation named after Prof. Wita Szulc – a pioneer of art therapy in Poland – as well as the State Fund for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PFRON) and the Polish Art Therapists Association “Kajros.” The university is a national leader in bridging the gap between the artistic community and the fields of management and quality sciences, fostering innovative dialogue and collaboration.
The event aims to create a platform for dialogue between science, art, therapeutic practice, and business. Participants include leading experts in art therapy, education, psychology, and the arts, as well as professionals from the training and coaching sectors. Speakers include both practitioners and academics from top Polish universities such as the Poznań University of Economics and Business, Adam Mickiewicz University, and the University of the Arts Poznań.
The conference program includes:
- Opening remarks and a keynote lecture by a distinguished art therapist and artist from the United States.
- Two plenary sessions featuring a total of 12 expert presentations on the role of art therapy in social, educational, and professional development.
- Three parallel practical workshops exploring the applications of art therapy (including theatre-based methods, sensory profiling, and metaphor in business).
- A networking session and a meeting with the keynote speaker, with simultaneous translation into Polish.
The conference provides a unique space for exchanging experiences, sharing reflections, and inspiring new ideas. It bridges art and science with therapeutic practice, demonstrating how art therapy can support the development of individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.