In response to a request from the Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland, we have been introducing Japan's "Clinical Art" initiatives since 2006 and supporting research and development of art utilization mainly in the fields of nursing care and welfare. At that time, art therapy as a psychotherapy already existed in Finland, and although it had a long history, it was looking for other ways to make the elderly active, and unlike conventional nursing care services, it was noted that the elderly themselves were actively active in clinical art sessions, and research was started among university officials. For the first three years, practical research was continued as a pilot program "Active Art" and then as a Finnish-style Clinical Art "Encounter Art", and in 2010 it was incorporated into the university curriculum and the training of Encounter Artists began. In addition, due to the progress of human resource development, the Encounter Art Association was established in 2014.
In order to develop unique art-based methods in each country, the two countries have had regular opportunities to exchange information on how they are being used in what fields, as well as the challenges and solutions there, and have continued to exchange exchanges.
In 2024, Laurea University of Applied Sciences is scheduled to hold a ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the popularization of Encounter Art, and Taizo and Keita are asked to give a lecture as a guest speaker. Therefore, the purpose of this trip is to deepen understanding of the educational philosophy, education system, and expertise of Clinical Art through lectures and discussions, and to build a stronger network of cooperation between Finland and Japan.
