* A distinctive feature of the publication is its international representation. The book will include writers from France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA. The publication thus catches and celebrates cultural distinctiveness, while also presenting shared intercultural developments in the profession.

* With its global perspective on the arts therapies and its focus on contemporary issues and new initiatives, it will be of interest and relevance not only to those in the arts therapeutic community, but also to a broader audience in related professions - for instance psychology, sociology, the arts, medicine, health and wellbeing and education.

* University and professional education and training continue to grow across the world at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Most university programmes are set at Masters level. There is increasing research at Doctorate level and there is a strengthening and concentrated emphasis on building the evidence base of the field.