Art and Digital Innovations in Psycho-Emotional Recovery and Rehabilitation

On February 16, 2024, an educational event focused on innovative methods of rehabilitation and psycho-emotional recovery for veterans through technology and art took place in Ivano-Frankivsk.

Organized as part of the Art Therapy Force project with the support of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, the event brought together over 50 participants, including psychologists and rehabilitation specialists from 17 hospitals in the Ivano-Frankivsk region and Lviv, as well as students and representatives from the Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University.

The event began with welcoming remarks from the rector of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University and the director of the Ivan Franko Theater, who emphasized the critical role of art and innovation in the educational process and in the recovery of Ukraine. Throughout the day, participants explored the multimodal approach in art therapy, discussed global experiences in music therapy, tested VR headsets in practice, and learned about a new reintegration project for veterans called “Edit Flow.”

Joint projects and collaborative goals between hospitals and the university were also proposed and discussed. This meeting underscored the importance of close cooperation between medical, educational, and artistic institutions to effectively address veterans’ rehabilitation needs, combining scientific methods with innovative artistic approaches.

Speakers included:

• Veronika Sklyarova – Cultural manager, theater producer, and art curator; program director of Parade-fest and founder of NGO “ART DOT.” Veronika introduced the Art Therapy Force project and discussed the multimodal approach in art therapy.
• Sergiy Skitikov – Ukrainian producer and director, expert in digital content, gaming, and esports. Sergiy presented the “Edit Flow” project.
• Piotr Armianovski – Artist, performer, and director who works extensively with video and virtual reality. Piotr spoke about the potential of VR headsets in rehabilitation.
• Nigel Osborne – Professor of Music and Humanitarian Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, expert in medical humanities and artistic approaches to trauma, with experience in conflict zones. His lecture focused on music therapy, global practices, and opportunities for institutional partnerships.

During the event, three virtual reality headsets were donated to the hospitals represented at the event:

• Nadvirna Children’s Hospital
• Regional Veterans’ Hospital of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council
• Kalush Central District Hospital

The event was organized by NGO “ART DOT” in partnership with the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater and Urban Space 100.