WHO WE ARE

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ECArTE is a consortium of Universities, which was founded in 1991 and currently comprises 32 member institutions from 14 European countries. It is a non profit-making organisation. Its primary purpose is to rep­resent and encourage the development of the Arts Therapies at a European level, in particular courses offering nationally-validated and professionally-recognised education for arts therapists. The Arts Therapies include art therapy, dance movement therapy, dramatherapy and music therapy.

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ECArTE was founded in 1991 by the Universities of Hertfordshire, Münster, Nijmegen and Paris. Currently it comprises 34 member institutions from 13 European countries.

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The Consortium's work includes:

• Creating stronger European links in the Arts Therapies through the international exchange of staff and students

• Promoting research into methods of Arts Therapies practice within Europe

• Working towards opportunities for international study and exchange in Arts Therapies training programmes

• Promoting recognition of qualifications in the Arts Therapies at a European level

• Supporting the development of appropriate, academically recognised,

• nationally validated Higher Education courses for the Arts Therapies

• publishing academic texts on current trends, philosophies and research in international Arts Therapies

• Offering opportunities for professional communication at its international conferences.

• European Network

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ECArTE is working towards establishing mutual recognition and compatibility in educational and vocational training for Arts Therapists within the European Community. The criteria for membership to ECArTE is subject to a fast-changing educational and social landscape. There are complex articulations of qualifications in different European Countries and ECArTE is keen to remain observant of these differences and inclusive in its practice.

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ECArTE Membership Criteria and Categories of Membership are detailed under the Membership section of this website.

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The Benefits of ECArTE Membership

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As a member of ECArTE universities become involved in promoting and developing, at an international level, the standing and quality of arts therapies education. Additionally member institutions will benefit from:

•  opportunities for international staff and student ex­change

• sharing experience of course and specialist curriculum knowledge within member institutions

• the opportunity to become part of a network for developing arts therapies education in Europe

• attendance at regular annual General Assembly meetings  within Europe

• reduced rates when attending ECArTE events

• an established network for research purposes

• use of the ECArTE logo and recognition in publicity and course marketing

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The Legal Status

The Consortium is an autonomous body and is a charity registered within Dutch law.