Strategic
Plan
2026-2030
Statement of Purpose: “VATA's mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy.”
Core Priority Areas
Goals
Goal 1
Grow and maintain a diverse, professional network of art therapists and other health care professionals throughout the state of Virginia.
Goal 2
Promote and enhance the clinical and professional competence of chapter members through networking, by offering learning opportunities, and encouraging leadership within the organization and communities throughout Virginia.
Goal 3
Community Outreach: VATA will serve to provide community members education about the profession of art therapy. Additionally, VATA will support community partners by partnering with organizations whose purposes align with the mission/ values of VATA.
Goal 4
VATA will work to improve access of art therapy services to residents of Virginia, and jobs in the state for art therapists. This includes supporting public policy/legislation that promotes the profession.
Goal 5
Preserve and maintain the history and financial integrity of VATA.
2026 Objectives
In 2026, The Virginia Art Therapy Association will:
Promote growth and diversity in membership by:
1. Facilitate Annual Membership Drive
2. Create scholarships to promote diversity in the field.
3. Maintain "Community Patron" member status for those who are not art therapists but wish to promote the profession.
4. Promote awareness of required AATA membership for local chapter membership
5. Connect with art therapy education programs to build relationship with current students/ future professionals
Promote clinical and professional competence of members by:
1. Offer at least 2 CEs available in person and/or virtually
2. Offer Monthly peer supervision groups
3. Hold Quarterly Community Meetings
4. Facilitate Annual Membership Meeting
5. Organize Annual Juried Art Exhibition
6. Establish partnerships with AT Master's programs/ Universities to offer CE opportunities
7. Advertise and promote members that are qualified ATR/LPC Supervisors
Promote community outreach by:
1. Respond to community requests for participation at educational events
2. Establish efforts of Events committee, Membership committee, and Board to work within regions of the state to host/ partner with organizations for at least 1 community outreach project a quarter.
3. Have an online presense that serves to educate the community, i.e, Instagram, etc.
4. Look for partnership opportunities to provide educate the community about art therapy
Improve access to art therapy to residents of Virginia by:
1. Work with the VA Art Therapy Advisory Board in order to maintain licensure efforts
2. Provide VATA representation at all Assembly of Chapter meetings and events
3. Remain up to date on policy/ legislation in VA that impact the profession/ those we serve
4. Establish a GAC that actively participate in lobby events/ encourage members to write representatives and provide resources for doing so
Preserve historical and financial integrity by:
1. Create annual budget that reflects values/goals
2. Scan/compile documents currently in VATA possession.
3. Annually review the Bylaws, update as necessary
4. Consider alternative streams of funds/fundraising opportunities