An Analytical Review of Kim Berman’s Art Therapy Training in South Africa: Pedagogical Strategies for Social Action During and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Keywords
Art therapy training, chapter review, COVID-19 pandemic, social justice, social action, South Africa, pedagogy
Abstract
Recent interest amongst local and international art therapists in the expediency of art therapy in the advancement of social justice, has grown. This paper offers a critical review of Kim Berman’s most recent chapter in the Routledge Handbook of Arts and Global Development, published in August 2024. The paper summarises Berman’s pedagogical philosophies of social action within the context of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) pioneering art therapy (AT) programme which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it offers insights into Berman’s selected methodology and the findings thereof. The paper seeks to provide an overview of Berman’s work, emphasising her contribution to the pedagogy of art therapy and social justice. Limitations are briefly discussed, and suggestions for future investigation offered.
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References
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Saxon Kinnear, University of Johannesburg
Saxon Kinnear is a registered art therapist living and working in Cape Town, South Africa. Along with the original master’s cohort from the University of Johannesburg, she graduated in 2023/24. Before completing her master’s, Kinnear received an Honours in Psychology degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Her special research interests are the relationship between artmaking, art therapy and resilience. She is currently working with older persons living with dementia.