South Asian Centre for Creative Arts Therapies Australia

Making existing creative arts therapy models more inclusive of South Asian modalities and frameworks that have existed for centuries to facilitate a culturally appropriate mental health model for the CALD community in Australia.

Where does SACCATA stand

Cultural and linguistic diversity (CALD) is an essential characteristic of Australia as a nation. Almost half of the Australian population is CALD. Australia is recognized as a World leader in the Mental Health space; however, the system is still lacking. While mental health system reform is ongoing (at national, state and territory levels) the challenges presented by CALD communities persist.

Research shows that among the wider CALD community, the South Asian population is a major migrant group which is vulnerable to mental health issues. Further, due to the social stigma associated with mental health, the shortfall of mental health ‘literacy’, language and many cultural barriers, CALD communities are unable to engage with the existing model. Numerous studies emphasise the need for a culturally appropriate mental health model for the CALD community. The South Asian Centre for Creative Arts Therapies aims to create a more inclusive and culturally aware creative arts therapy industry and creative arts therapy spaces.

As the CALD community in Australia is increasing every year, the demand for therapists who understand the various cultures and languages is also rising. The centre aims to represent and advocate for South Asian creative arts therapists for South Asian clients. The centre aims to provide tools and resources to assist the professional development of any creative arts therapists working with South Asian clients.

Traditionally in the South Asian community, arts have been the medium of holistic health. However, over time it has transitioned away to a performance-based platform. The centre aims to reclaim this cultural wisdom in a more acceptable and accessible therapeutic model for South Asian creative arts through evidence-based research. We believe in establishing culturally appropriate approaches to engage with the South Asian community through South Asian Creative Arts.

Sharing knowledge within communities is also important. The centre aims to raise awareness about mental health and how culturally appropriate creative arts therapy can be helpful within the South Asian and wider CALD community.

We also understand how important community arts can be. Therefore, the centre also aims to create more inclusive creative arts spaces for the CALD community, where elderlies, differently abled people and mental health survivors can create arts for purpose.

Finally, SACCATA understands the value in contribution and collaboration. The centre aims to liaise with all national and international professional bodies to build the cultural capacity of the industry.

Mission

Education, advocacy and research for:

• Establishing culturally appropriate approaches to engage with the South Asian community through creative arts.
• Framing a therapeutic model for South Asian creative arts.
• Understanding the underlined narratives in the context of historical forces, social structures, and cultural dynamics of the South Asian community, and giving them voice through an inclusive health model.

Goals

Advocacy

We value the health and wellbeing of all and we understand the interconnectedness culture and arts play as an important role within a biopsychosocial spiritual model:

• We advocate inclusive and culturally sensitive arts for health strategies by embracing cultural diversity within the Australian population.
• We advocate for South Asian creative activities and philosophies to be embraced by mainstream health and wellbeing services in Australia.
• We advocate South Asian creative arts therapists for South Asian people.
• We raise awareness of creative arts therapies service and practice within the CALD population.
  

Research

Service Perspective:

• Research and develop protocols for creative arts therapies utilising cultural resources and diverse artistic traditions of the subcontinent.
• Explore the usage and appropriateness of therapeutic language and approaches
  within the CALD community.
  

Client Perspective:

• Centre client stories within the context of their cultural background, narratives
  and lived experiences.
  
  Field Perspective:
  

• Adopt a cultural lens for creative arts therapies and develop new evidence-based knowledge and skills utilising the cultural resources required for the emerging practice.
  
• Understand the nuances of South Asian creative arts such as physiological, social,
  bio-chemical and psychological to form strong evidence supported by scientific research for the growing field.

Collaboration

• Provide a platform to collaborate with South Asian creative arts therapy
  professionals.
• Create a space for diverse voices to be heard.
• Assist members in self-advocacy and professional unity.
• Liaise with national and international bodies to understand and support the
  ever-changing landscape of this growing industry.