Yogyakarta, September 19th 2025 – The Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada hosted a guest lecture titled “Arts for the Blues: Bridging the Arts and Psychotherapy.” The event aimed to explore the intersection of the arts and psychotherapy, with a focus on a pioneering program developed at the University of Salford, UK. The lecture was delivered by Professor Scott Thurston and Dr. Joanna Omylinska-Thurston, two distinguished academics from the University of Salford.
The “Arts for the Blues” program is an innovative research and practice initiative originating in the UK. In this context, “blues” refers to feelings of sadness or depression. The program highlights how artistic mediums such as music, drama, dance, and visual arts can be integrated into the psychotherapeutic process to support mental health.
The speakers shared the program’s background, methodology, and their experiences in integrating arts and therapy. The discussion was interactive, with enthusiastic participation from students, lecturers, researchers, as well as arts and mental health practitioners. This guest lecture served as a platform for new insights into the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and psychotherapy, while also opening doors for future research and cooperation in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, and mental health.
Speakers’ Profiles
Professor Scott Thurston is a professor at the University of Salford, UK. His expertise lies in integrating creative work with therapeutic practices. He explored the question of how a healer can also be an artist, sharing his journey and collaborative work over the past 12 years.
Dr. Joanna Omylinska-Thurston is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Salford. Her work focuses on developing interventions and policies in psychotherapy and mental health. She elaborated on the evidence-based framework of the “Arts for the Blues” program and its key components, including the use of talking, writing, movement, and drawing to help people express their feelings.
Key Concepts and Discussion Points
Professor Thurston and Dr. Omylinska-Thurston presented the core concepts of the “Arts for the Blues” program, outlining its development, history, and collaborative nature. They shared an inspiring project that combines creative works with therapeutic practices. The discussion highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and psychotherapy.
Professor Thurston referenced key figures like Daniel Stern and Gabriele Roth to illustrate how body movement and artistic expression can be used to process emotions. He also demonstrated the creative application of these concepts through poetry and performance, emphasizing that each performance is unique and a way to express complex emotions.
Dr. Omylinska-Thurston explained the problem of depression and how the “Arts for the Blues” program offers a creative solution. She detailed the model’s framework, which is based on an analysis of eight key ingredients essential for psychotherapy. She also described the different phases of the group process, from the initial introduction to helping participants connect with others, express anger in creative ways, and ultimately find meaning through the artistic process.
The guest lecture provided an international perspective on the integration of arts and psychotherapy, particularly the “Arts for the Blues” model from the University of Salford. Attendees gained a new understanding of the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration between the arts and mental health sectors.
Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, Head of the Master’s Program in Performing and Visual Arts Studies, extended a warm welcome to Prof. Scott and Dr. Joanna. She expressed her hope that the meeting would be a delightful exchange of practical insights, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing and gaining new knowledge. She also looks forward to future collaborations on various projects. The event, as noted by Dr. Paramitha, “offered new knowledge and laid the groundwork for future collaboration, such as joint journal publications or research projects.” It is hoped that this event will serve as a catalyst for new research and collaboration opportunities in Indonesia, building on the success of similar programs in the UK and the US. (IP)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The event contributed to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by promoting mental health through innovative artistic practices.
- SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing a high-quality academic forum for students and faculty.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering international collaboration between academic institutions.
