CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY IMMERSION
IN SOUTH INDIA
9th–19th January 2025
Bengaluru and Auroville
* ALL SPACES FILLED * Limited spaces available (8 people)
Introduction
Dive into South India’s creative arts therapy scene! Learn innovative community approaches, refresh your practice, gain new tools, and be inspired by grassroots models. There will also be plenty of time to relax and reconnect.
This tour aims to immerse clinicians, students and researchers in creative arts therapies in community mental health contexts in South India. This is designed to offer professional learning, cross-cultural experiences, and immersion in a creative and dynamic cohort.
Overview
• The tour spans 10 days, with the option to extend your stay.
• Visit with Indian professionals, such as Hasiru Dala, utilising creative arts therapies in community settings.
• A residential retreat at EarthAlive with training in various expressive and creative arts therapy modalities conducted by experts practicing in India.
• Exploration of arts and healing practices in rural settings, including visits to a Quiet Healing Center, the Svaram Sound Experience, and engagement with communities in Auroville.
Benefits
• Learn new creative approaches in community mental health.
• Immerse yourself in traditional Indian art forms and their therapeutic applications.
• Expand your worldview through cross-cultural dialogue with Indian practitioners.
• Refresh, rejuvenate, and recharge, gaining new tools and techniques for clinical practice.
• Develop new lenses to understand your work with South Asian clients.
• Be inspired by grassroots community mental health models in India, applying ideas for innovation in your organization.
Immersion facilitators
• Evan Hastings
Drama therapist and faculty at Azim Premji University (India)
• Dr. Amanda Woodford (NZ)
Creative Arts Therapist and faculty at The MIECAT Institute (Aus).
Logistics Support
• Field Trips (a division of Hammock Holidays) will assist in planning, visas, currency exchange, logistics, accommodation, and transport arrangements.
Program inclusions
• Local transportation and domestic travel, accommodation, food, facilitation, and materials during the 10-day immersion.
• Participants are encouraged to bring extra pocket money for souvenir shopping, meals, and drinks beyond what is provided. Excursions Options
• Collaboration with Hammock Holidays participants can plan additional vacations to extend their stay in India.
For example:
– Houseboating in Kerala.
– Exploring the monolithic stone temples of Hampi.
Cost
New Zealand residents: NZD $2,030 + GST
Non-New Zealand residents: AUD $1,905
Airfares to and from Bangalore Airport are not included.
Personal travel insurance is advised.
Key dates
- April/May: Zoom session for people considering the trip.
- 15th June: Registration closes.
A deposit (20%) is due from travellers. - 15th November: The remaining balance of the trip cost to be paid.
- November/December: Zoom session to prepare for the trip.
- 9th-19th January: Trip
For more information or to book in a (no-commitment) Zoom session for people considering the trip, please contact us:
