Thinking through your hands
Our Approach
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Introduction
Where does MindArt come from? The MindArt Founder explains.
MindArt began in 2018 and has since conducted multiple clinical trials in Aotearoa New Zealand and France. We have successfully implemented the programme across diverse settings in both countries. With each delivery, MindArt researchers and communities worked together to adapt and refine the programme, bringing the MindArt experience we share with you today.
This section reflects where MindArt's founder, Associate Professor Emma Febvre-Richards' inspiration originated. We'll explain the principles, approaches, and structures that shape the MindArt sessions.
Importantly, this isn't simply about the founder explaining her vision, as it is essential for us that the following sections capture how our community developed the MindArt programme together—which is why you'll find a rich variety of voices and perspectives: testimony from contributors (facilitators, participants, and supporters), core principles and structures, practical approaches, as well as responses to questions we commonly encounter. We invite you to spend time with this material, to sit with it, and discover the potential that MindArt holds for your professional environments and for coming directly into the homes of people living with neurological conditions and their supporters.
The 10 Principles of MindArt
The 10 Principles of the Sessions, 2026
Participants Share the Principles
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Two Pathways:
Individuals at Home and Health Professionals
Mindart Professionals
MindArt is a clinically proven, fail-safe eight-week programme offering 1.5-hour sessions that combine the therapeutic benefits of nature, sensory engagement, and meditative drawing techniques. Through accessible, step-by-step guidance, people with neurological conditions and their supporters explore mindful, nature-inspired drawing exercises using repetitive gestures in a supportive, non-judgmental environment to promote satisfaction, relaxation, and focus.
The programme is delivered by certified MindArt facilitators who are health professionals. Please refer to the ‘For Professionals’ page.
What do we mean by health professionals?
We use this term broadly — from clinical researchers and occupational therapists to dementia advisors, speech-language therapists, diversional therapists, GPs, and health improvement professionals. If you work with people living with neurological conditions and their supporters, MindArt is designed with you in mind.
MindArt Home Collection
For individuals at home, we have developed a collection of products sourced from the MindArt programme that can be used independently to support personal well-being, reduce stress, and foster connection through a gentle, creative journey. These include:
Helpful video guides showing you how to make the most of each resource