Abstract

In Colombia, a country severely impacted by centuries of violence, many communities resorted to the use of art to overcome their collective trauma. The present research answers the question: “What is the existing literature that supports arts-based healing knowledge that has been developed in Colombia?” This research collects relevant data on the topic, gathered from professionals of different academic fields and reflects on it through an art therapy lens. Art-based healing strategies are reported in the literature associated with social and economic empowerment, reconnection of social fabric, transformation of social patterns and construction of hope. The present research highlights the ways in which art makes this possible. The findings of this paper build theoretical foundations that can be used in the integration of art-based healing strategies into existing therapeutic structures.