Research | Vancouver Art Therapy Insitute

VATI’s Research Focus

When the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute (VATI) was founded, advancing art therapy through research was a core priority.

Over time, VATI has become a thriving hub for faculty, students, and alumni who bring innovative perspectives to the field. The Government of Canada, through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), recognizes VATI for its commitment to rigorous inquiry, community engagement, and high academic standards in art therapy and expressive arts therapy.

VATI is also accredited by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of British Columbia and meets the Canadian Art Therapy Association’s (CATA) national educational standards. These endorsements highlight VATI’s dedication to offering fresh insights and fostering transformative learning experiences in the creative arts therapies. Students receive a solid grounding in theory and develop practical skills for success in clinical and community settings, fulfilling VATI’s mission of research-driven progress and meaningful practice.

Community Partnerships, Standards of Practice, and Technological Innovation

VATI works closely with local organizations, cultural groups, and social service agencies to keep its training and research responsive to community needs. These partnerships foster reciprocal learning and extend art therapy to communities with fewer resources. In addition, VATI follows professional guidelines set by CATA, which require students, faculty, and researchers to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, ethical integrity, and client-centered care while complying with CATA standards. All research initiatives also adhere with the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (2022), ensuring transparency and accountability. VATI incorporates emerging technologies—such as AI-assisted arts-based inquiry and secure digital data management—into its research and therapeutic work. Tools ranging from online collaboration platforms to digital art-making expand the reach and relevance of art therapy.

VATI Research Requirements

Students in VATI’s Art Therapy (AT) Diploma program complete a major research project that combines theory with real-world practice, helping them develop advanced inquiry skills and creative ways to support clients. In contrast, the Expressive Arts Therapy (EXA) track incorporates research into each module’s learning outcomes, preparing students for possible further study at institutions like the European Graduate School (EGS). Regardless of academic focus, VATI’s adaptable structure ensures that graduates are proficient in research-backed knowledge and hands-on competence.

Research Ethics and Cultural Safety

VATI’s Research Ethics Committee upholds firm guidelines for all proposals, emphasizing respect for participants, social responsibility, and professional integrity. We honour Indigenous Research principles by recognizing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and we strive to include Indigenous knowledge, methodologies, and cultural protocols. VATI also applies an Anti-Oppressive Framework to every proposal, acknowledging how colonialism and systemic inequities shape diverse communities. Research is always reviewed through an equity-oriented lens, promoting inclusivity, cultural safety, and ethical accountability.

Research Data Management

VATI stresses careful data stewardship to ensure ethical inquiry. We require secure, confidential storage of all research materials, as outlined by Tri-Council and CATA guidelines. This includes informed consent procedures that respect participant autonomy and privacy, as well as protective measures like encryption, password-protected digital files, and locked cabinets for physical artwork or documents. Clear data-sharing and archiving procedures define when, how, and under what conditions research data may be released—particularly important when the work involves sensitive or culturally specific content.

Faculty

Richard Wainwright

Research Director
I believe we are all research-artists, and this perspective drives my passion for exploring everyday living—the kind of inquiry that unfolds as we navigate daily experiences, make sense of our surroundings, and strive to improve our life and the lives of others. From the playful exploration of childhood …
everyday life, research, arts-based research, artistic inquiry, evolving technologies, artificial intelligence