ABOUT THE CENTRE

Mission
The mission of the Centre for Creative Therapies is to develop, promote, and implement creative therapies as scientifically grounded practices that integrate artistic expression with therapeutic processes. The Centre is dedicated to advancing education in the field of creative therapies, conducting scientific research projects, and engaging in professional practice aimed at improving mental health, fostering personal development, and strengthening social inclusion. Through collaboration with national and international partners, the Centre seeks to build bridges between contemporary scientific knowledge and its therapeutic application within the community.

Vision
The vision of the Centre for Creative Therapies is to evolve into a recognised national and regional hub for scientific research, education, and professional development in the field of creative therapies within the higher education context. Operating within the academic environment, the Centre aspires to create an interdisciplinary space in which art and therapy intersect with the aim of enhancing mental health, empowering individuals, and promoting social inclusion. By integrating scientific excellence, professional practice, and social responsibility, the Centre will act as a catalyst for positive change directed towards the development of a more inclusive, humane, and healthier society.

Objectives
The objectives of the Centre include promoting creative therapies as scientifically grounded, interdisciplinary forms of therapeutic practice rooted in humanistic and artistic principles. The Centre will design and implement educational activities, encourage scientific research, and apply art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, and drama therapy across the fields of education, healthcare, social welfare, and culture. Its activities will focus on the preservation and enhancement of mental health, the empowerment of individuals and communities, and the integration of scientific knowledge with therapeutic practice through cooperation with relevant national and international partners.

PROJECTS

Creative Therapies in Education
This project focuses on introducing activities based on art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, and dance and movement therapy into educational institutions. Its aim is to support the emotional development of children and young people, prevent stress and learning difficulties, and promote the inclusion of students with developmental challenges.

Creative Therapies in the Academic Context
This project is oriented towards fostering both theoretical and experiential understanding of the role and application of art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, and drama therapy, with particular emphasis on their contribution to self-understanding, personal development, and the enhancement of subjective well-being. Activities will be integrated into the academic environment through workshops, lectures, and reflective practice, with the objective of strengthening the capacities of students and teaching staff to apply creative therapeutic approaches in educational settings and everyday life.

Integrating Science and Practice in Creative Therapies
This research-based project aims to monitor, evaluate, and further develop the effects of creative therapeutic methods across diverse institutional and non-institutional contexts. The project includes scholarly publications and the dissemination of findings through scientific and professional conferences.

International Conference (in cooperation with the European Consortium for Arts Therapies Education – ECArTE)
Organisation of an international scientific and professional conference in Pula in 2026. The conference will bring together experts, researchers, and practitioners from the fields of arts therapies, education, healthcare, social welfare, and culture, with the aim of exchanging scientific knowledge, sharing examples of good practice, and fostering international cooperation in education and research in the field of creative therapies.

Lifelong Learning and Professional Development
This programme is dedicated to delivering educational courses and professional training intended for teachers, pedagogues, psychologists, healthcare professionals, and other interested experts working in the fields of education, healthcare, social welfare, and culture. Its primary objective is to strengthen competencies for implementing activities grounded in creative therapeutic approaches, including art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, and dance and movement therapy.

STAFF

Full Professor Jasmina Pacek, PhD (Arts), University Specialist in Art Therapy

Full Professor Tatjana Bertok Zupković

Associate Professor Tihana Škojo, PhD, University Specialist in Art Therapy

Assistant Professor Sanela Janković Marušić (Arts)

Iris Tomić, PhD

Teaching Assistant Lorna Kalazić Jelić

Beata Sabo

Iva Bročić

CONTACT

Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek
Julija Knifera Street 1/1, 2nd Floor, Office 35
Centre for Creative Therapies

Head of the Centre:
Associate Professor Tihana Škojo, PhD, University Specialist in Art Therapy

ckt@aukos.hr
tihana.skojo@aukos.hr

Office Hours:
Mondays from 13:30