On April 24, 2024, the first lecture of the pilot project on trauma-informed art for Ukrainian universities took place. The project was initiated by Ukrainian and British experts from Kharkiv, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kropyvnytskyi, London, and Edinburgh under the auspices of Art Therapy Force.

During this lecture, Darren Abrahams presented his definition of trauma-informed art, discussed its core principles and conditions for its use, and provided examples of its application within his own practice and that of his colleagues.

Darren Abrahams is a singer, coach, trauma therapist and trainer working internationally to support changemaking leaders navigate crises while prioritising wellbeing. Darren is co-founder of The Human Hive, a social enterprise with the ambition to train 8 million regenerative ChangeMakers by 2030. He is on the steering team of The Complete Freedom of Truth, an international youth-led project developing global youth citizenship through culture and the arts, and serves as a trainer and Wellbeing Adviser for Musicians Without Borders, where he trains musicians to use music for peacebuilding. Darren is co-founder of the One World Orchestra, an inter-cultural ensemble of musicians based in the UK, exploring the idea of ‘Home’ through music. Additionally, he co-presents the Conscious Creative Leadership podcast with Nadine Benjamin MBE, discussing leadership in the 21st Century. Darren is an expert at helping people feel safe while bringing communities together for healing.

We provide a video recording of the lecture for those unable to attend. It will be valuable for students and professionals in the arts, psychologists, art therapists, and anyone interested in the topic of trauma and its impact.