Healing Together:
Art and Anti-Racism
About the Program
Healing Together: Art and Anti-Racism is all about creating a safe, supportive space where people can come together to heal, reflect, and grow.
Through art, community, and meaningful conversations, this program helps folks explore their personal journeys—whether that’s diving into their identity, reconnecting with their cultural roots, or actively working toward a more anti-racist world.
We offer monthly art circles and art as therapy groups, making it easy for people of all ages and backgrounds to join in. It’s a chance to express yourself creatively, practice self-compassion, and take real steps toward healing and fighting racism.
Program Facilitator: Tina Tam 譚玉婷
Human Rights Educator and Graduate Art Therapy Student (until January 31,2025); Professional Art Therapist (after February 1, 2025)
Tina is a Canadian-born Chinese daughter of immigrants from South China and Hong Kong. Tina’s family journey in Canada began in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, and she grew up mostly in Tkaronto/Toronto. Her professional work in finance rights education has taken her all over the world. She has spent over 20years in the social services field focused on child and family violence prevention, child and youth-friendly community development, and advocacy in child rights, human rights, and anti-racism. Tina is a mother of two children and now lives on the west coast of Turtle Island on the unceded traditional territories of the Lekwungen People and the Songhees and Esquimalt Peoples with her family. She is in her final semester of a graduate art therapy program and has been a practicum student at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, MAR, CiiAT Virtual Art Therapy Clinic, Health Justice Society, and UVIC Nursing. She is also working at a BC mental health policy advocacy organization. Art making has been a part of Tina’s life since childhood, and art therapy has been so important to her own healing and self-care journey. She recognizes the need for more access to mental health supports for racialized communities and is striving to contribute to decolonizing, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and trauma-informed practices.
Art as Therapy
Our 2024 Art as Therapy pilot was so impactful, we are bringing it back as a full program!
In 2025, we’re offering three powerful, 8-week Art as Therapy groups for those who want a deeper dive into healing, self-discovery, and anti-racism work. These groups provide a safe, creative space where you can explore your personal journey and connect with others who are also working toward change.
Healing Through Art: Creative Exploration of Caregiving, Identity, and Your Anti-Racism Journey
This group is all about exploring who you are, the complexities of caregiving, and how to bring anti-racism into your life through creative expression.
Dates: Fridays, January 10 - February 28, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am PST
Investment: By donation
Exploring BIPOC Identity Through Art
Here, we’ll explore BIPOC identities through art. It’s a space to reflect on your cultural heritage, talk about the challenges you face, and express your unique journey.
Dates: TBD
From Healing to Action: Creative Exploration of Individual and Collective Anti-Racism Journeys
This group focuses on moving from personal healing to collective action in the fight against racism. It’s about using creativity to fuel meaningful change, both personally and in the community.
Dates: TBD
These groups will guide you through creative processes that help build self-awareness, healing, and empowerment, all while keeping anti-racism at the forefront. Each session is designed for you to express your thoughts and feelings through art, connect with others, and have important conversations around identity and social justice.
Who Should Join?
This program is open to anyone interested in exploring their identity, healing through art, and getting involved in the anti-racism movement. Whether you're just starting out or have been on this journey for a while, Healing Together: Art and Anti-Racism is here to support you as you grow and take action.
Join us in this transformative space where art meets healing and we work together for a more just, inclusive world.
In collaboration with Graduate Art Therapy Student Facilitator, Tina Tam, MAR is offering a 9-week art as therapy virtual group offering. Details:
Program details:
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Open to all MAR members
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No art experience is necessary
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Virtually through Zoom
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A six (6) session minimum commitment (out of the 8 sessions) is required
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Must be able to attend first session of each offering
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A sketchbook will be provided to each participant
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Use whatever materials you have at home
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Limited space available
I loved the weekly meetings and felt so inspired by the sharing from the group. The series really inspired me to be more creative and find ways to bring more art and reflection into my life. The gentle guidance that Tina offered felt so lovely and supportive. Would highly recommend and would love to do it again. -Jen, 2024 Artist
Art as Community
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Join us virtually the first Saturday of every month throughout 2025 for a one-hour creative session focused on different aspects of personal healing and anti-racism. These meet-ups offer a welcoming, supportive space for participants to engage in art-making, connect with others, and reflect on their journeys.
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January 4 – Where Am I Now? Where Do I Want to Be This Year? How to Get There?
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February 1 – Self-Compassion and Self-Love
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March 1 – Playful Art (Adults and Children Welcome)
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April 5 – Honoring Our Roots
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May 3 – Daydreaming
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June 7 – Gratitude
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July 5 – Lego Art (Adults and Children Welcome)
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August 2 – Open Studio (Bring Anything You Want to Work On)
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September 6 – Honoring Your Journey
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October 4 – Social Action Art
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November 1 – Rest
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December 6 – Inner Ally/Personal Shield
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am PST
Date: First Saturday of every month
Location: Zoom
Thank you to our Funder
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.
Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.