The Open Studio Approach to Art Therapy: A Systematic Scoping Review

Abstract

This research encompasses a systematic scoping review of literature and research pertaining to the open studio approach to art therapy, which originated with the work of artists in psychiatric hospitals in the 1940's. As art therapy became a profession, it sought recognition by adopting theories from other therapeutic disciplines. Today, however, there is an increase in the prevalence of studio practice that emphasizes art as the core of the therapeutic work; moreover, contemporary art therapy approaches even venture beyond the traditional definition of the profession to the realm of social action. Consequently, open studio practice has become more widespread and is currently implemented in many different contexts among a wide range of populations. The purpose of this research was to accurately map out world literature and research on the open studio approach to art therapy as well as identify relevant publications and main themes. Therefore, the systematic scoping review was not restricted to specific periods, languages, settings, or populations. Publications were identified through a rigorous, replicable, and extensive search of international literature in data bases and hand searches in art therapy journals; in addition, special efforts were made to locate unpublished research and literature. Data was charted using a tool developed by the researchers, based on the review questions. Results indicate that most of the literature relating to the open studio approach dates from the 1990's: only a few earlier publications were found. Over the last decade, the literature has grown in volume in comparison to previous decades, reflecting an increasing prevalence of the open studio approach. This growing mass of publications reflects an historic development in the field of art therapy. This research also identifies core principles as well as a wide range of variations on the open studio model, in addition to unique characteristics that vary according to context and therapeutic approach. It explores open studio practice within different settings and populations and pinpoints gaps of knowledge that can indicate the need for further research.

Subjective Experiences of At-Risk Children Living in a Foster-Care Village Who Participated in an Open Studio

“…One of the main approaches in art therapy is the “art as therapy” approach, in which artwork is therapeutic in nature [ 27 ]. One model based on this approach is the open studio model [ 28 ].…”

“…The open studio was developed to serve larger populations and communities in need, by making art-creative processes accessible [ 29 ]. A recently conducted systematic scoping review of the open studio model [ 28 ] revealed several core principles, including the central role of art, the experiential dimension of the creation of artwork, and the art therapist’s/facilitator’s role of holding a space to allow for a free creative process [ 28 , 30 ]. The open studio model seeks to offer a space that allows for the creative expression of the individual and the group [ 31 , 32 ]; it provides an egalitarian, nonhierarchical, open-minded, and community-like environment [ 30 , 33 ].…”

“…However, according to the research, the open studio simultaneously brought participants face to face with painful feelings and experiences [ 33 ]. Although the unique setting provides an adaptable framework for populations in need of therapy, only few studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the open studio model among children and adolescents [ 28 ].…”

Art Therapy Open Studio and Teen Identity Development: Helping Adolescents Recover from Mental Health Conditions

“…Importantly, OS insists upon the individual’s focus on their own creative process within a group setting. This constitutes one of OS’ crucial priorities and strengths [ 14 ], and raises the question of whether it could be a first-tier intervention for identity development in teens suffering from MHC.…”

Art Therapy and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic - Public Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being

“…There is a long history of art therapy for treating psychosocial and mental health conditions. A manuscript by Finkel and Bat Or encompasses a systematic scoping review of literature and research pertaining to the art therapy open studio approach, which had origins with the work of artists in the 1940's in psychiatric hospitals [1]. This scoping review was not restricted to specific Corresponding Author: E-mail: deborah.hilton@gmail.com times, cultures, populations or settings.…”