About us
The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) is the professional body representing art therapists and art psychotherapists across the United Kingdom.
Dedicated to advancing the profession and increasing public understanding of its value, BAAT works to ensure that art therapy is recognised as an effective and accessible form of psychological support within healthcare, education, social care, and community settings.
Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy that combines creative expression with therapeutic dialogue to help individuals explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be difficult to communicate through words alone. Delivered by qualified and HCPC registered art therapists, it provides a safe and supportive environment in which people can develop self-awareness, process complex emotions, build resilience, and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing. Art therapy can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds, including those affected by trauma, illness, disability, bereavement, social disadvantages, or significant life changes. No artistic skill or experience is required, as the emphasis is on the therapeutic process rather than artistic ability.
Vision and values
BAAT's vision is a society where everyone who could benefit from art therapy has access to this high-quality, professional therapeutic support. The Association is committed to promoting greater awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the role art therapy plays in enhancing the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Through leadership, education, advocacy, and collaboration, BAAT works to strengthen the profession and ensure art therapy continues to evolve in response to changing societal needs.
BAAT supports practitioners throughout their careers by providing training, continuing professional development opportunities, professional guidance, and access to the latest research and best practice. BAAT also contributes to the growth of knowledge within the field through its publications and represents the profession at a national level, working with policymakers, employers, educators, researchers, and partner organisations to raise awareness of the value of art therapy and strengthen its position within the wider health and care landscape.
The British Association of Art Therapists is guiding by core values:
Professional Excellence: Upholding the highest standards of practice, ethics, education, and professional development.
Creativity: Championing the transformative power of creative expression as a tool for healing, communication, and personal growth.
Inclusion: Promoting equality, diversity, accessibility, and representation throughout the profession and the communities it serves.
Advocacy: Raising awareness of the benefits of art therapy and representing the interests of practitioners and service users.
Collaboration: Working in partnership with members, service users, educators, researchers, employers, and policymakers to advance the profession.
Integrity: Acting with transparency, accountability, and professionalism in all aspects of the Association's work.
Through these principles, BAAT continues to champion the life-changing impact of art therapy while supporting a thriving, skilled, and forward-looking professional community of 3145 members.
Finances
As we many members organisations the majority of BAAT’s income (49% in 2025) is generated from membership fees, with the remainder of our income generated from CPD offerings (In 2025; 26% short courses, 3% accredited courses and 4% the annual conference). The accounting year runs January to December and in 2025 BAAT also received the final part of a grant to carry out a specific piece of work for NHS England which accounted for 18% of 2025 income and 16% of its expenditure in that year. Typically the majority of our expenditure is wages and salaries (44% in 2025) and running costs (23% in 2025), with the remainder coming under events and members services, including BAAT publications through Taylor and Francis.
Income from membership is stable with a slight incline, however BAAT’s outgoing costs in the current financial climate along with pressures such as legal costs means BAAT needs to consider it’s financial position going forward to ensure stability and longevity.
Equity, diversity and inclusion statement
The British Association of Art Therapists is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable profession that reflects the communities it serves. BAAT believes that diverse perspectives, backgrounds and lived experiences strengthen both the organisation and the art therapy profession, enabling it to better support practitioners, service users and carers.
BAAT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating an environment where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. As part of this commitment, the Association welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates and particularly encourages applications from individuals from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in senior leadership positions.
The recruitment process will be conducted fairly and transparently, with reasonable adjustments available to ensure all candidates can participate fully. BAAT is seeking a Chief Executive who shares its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and can help further embed these principles across the organisation, its membership and the wider profession.