The Art of Healing patient program is a collaboration between CAMH and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) to support patients through storytelling and music. In its inauguration, the Art of Healing patient program celebrates Indigenous-specific worldviews, and prioritizes First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients.
ART OF HEALING 2025: APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Patients of CAMH are invited to apply for this intimate eight-week group program with Cris Derksen, JUNO Award nominated and internationally respected Indigenous cellist and composer.
Co-led by Shkaabe Makwa and the TSO, participants will meet weekly to share stories, experiences and songs to help inspire an original piece of music that will be composed by Derksen and performed by the TSO at Roy Thompson Hall as part of their 2025/2026 programming. Karleigh Darnay (Clinical Practice Lead, Shkaabe Makwa) and Christian Wells (Social Worker, Shkaabe Mawka) will be present at all sessions as co-facilitators and to support patient wellness.
Participants can expect:
- Group check-ins
- Weekly storytelling prompts
- Conversations with TSO musicians
- Musical exploration through sound and instruments
- Light refreshments
- An intimate musical performance followed by a closing feast during the last session
To participate, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a current patient of CAMH
- Attend all 8 program sessions in-person (90 minutes weekly)
- Enjoy music though no musical experience is required
No music training is required. First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients will be prioritized.
Program runs Monday evenings from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. beginning February 24 through April 7, 2025.
Contact: To ask questions about the Art of Healing program please contact Hannah.BurgeLuviano@camh.ca
