Co-production in practice and research: A new paradigm for arts in health & arts therapies?

Part of the seminar series, The Spaces Between: Equity, Voice, Agency and Care Practices Involving the Arts and Arts Therapies Co-production rests in the belief that each participant in the realms of clinical treatment and research should have the equal right to express themselves and take part in the process of ameliorating personal experiences of participation in arts therapies, arts in health and their effectiveness. Although many artists in health have genuinely co-produced projects with their clients, co-production is sometimes perfunctorily done. Indeed, objections need be understood and taken on board: many arts therapists will worry about impact on boundaries, roles, and dynamics within the therapeutic relationship. Co-production can also be challenging and time-consuming and this creates barriers for artists in health within small organizations having to meet cost-effective project deadlines.