Thahmina Begum on community art psychotherapy, equity and racial trauma

In this episode host Laura Bailey is joined by artist, researcher, art psychotherapist and community leader Thahmina Begum. Based in Leeds, Thahmina shares her extraordinary 20+ year journey at the intersection of creative health, art therapy and community development, rooted in her Bangladeshi heritage and unwavering commitment to social justice and health equity.From the early influence of youth clubs and play schemes in Leeds, to art therapy programmes that address racial and intergenerational trauma, Thahmina’s work spans psychiatric wards, schools, community centres and galleries. She reflects on her personal story of resilience and the power of art to create safe, transformative spaces for people from underrepresented communities.She also discusses the importance of trauma-informed practice, the ethics of care for artists and practitioners, and the urgent need for leadership, infrastructure and investment to sustain a creative health workforce. With infectious warmth and clarity, Thahmina offers a vision for an equitable future where art is embedded across health services—from GP surgeries to national institutions.Links:Creative Health StoriesCulture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance (CHWA) – Thahmina is Co-ChairYorkshire Sculpture ParkBritish LibraryBritish CouncilThe Tetley / Yorkshire ContemporaryYorkshire Sculpture InternationalLeeds Art GalleryHenry Moore InstituteBarbara Hepworth WakefieldLeeds City MuseumUp Projects – Thahmina is a TrusteeLab4Living Creative Health BoardsGlobal South Arts and Health Week Socials:@artbyfudgee@creativehealthstoriesGet Involved:If you’d like to use audio stories in your work, or explore collaborations, visit our website and get in touch.💬 Rate, review and subscribe to help others discover Creative Health Stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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