The MIECAT Institute
The essence of the work undertaken by The MIECAT Institute is based on the understandings that developed through the multi-arts research collaboration in 1992 instigated by Warren Lett with Jan Allen, Jean Rumbold and Andrew Morrish.
On 15 December, 1998, MIECAT Inc. was formally established as a not-for-profit Incorporated Institution under the Associations Incorporation Act of 1981 and is currently endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as an income tax exempt charitable entity (charitable institution).
In essence these understandings are:
- A collaborative inquiry was possible based on mutual trust and shared values.
- Often art forms that were least familiar brought about the greatest learning.
- Each art form offered different possibilities for coming to express or represent and make sense of experience.
- Description and responses to the art making were more useful than interpretation.
- Significant understandings could be had without disclosing personal details.
- Expertise in any form of art making was not necessary to this approach.
Victorian and Australian Government Accreditation and Registration
- MIECAT has had on-going higher education accreditation from 1999 to current day.
- In 1999, MIECAT was accredited by the Victorian Regulations and Qualifications Authority to offer degrees up to and including, Masters Level.
- The MIECAT Institute was re-accredited and registered under the Tertiary Education Act in 2004 and 2009 (including a professional Doctoral program) by VRQA.
- In 2015 The MIECAT Institute was again re-registered and accredited with approval for the maximum of 7 years, with TEQSA.
The current programs on offer at The MIECAT Institute are:- Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Arts Practice (a nested program within the Masters)
- Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice (tagged or untagged)
- Professional Doctorate in Therapeutic Arts Practice.
The MIECAT Institute ensures that all its courses and its graduation processes are in compliance with the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), its levels, criteria and qualification type, learning outcomes, descriptors and its Qualifications Issuance Policy.
Workplace Affiliation
Our method of training and courses are also recognised in workplaces making use of therapeutic arts practice.
The MIECAT Institute is an approved training provider with the peak professional association for Creative Arts Therapies in Australia, New Zealand and Asia (ANZACATA).
Graduates from our current Workplace Practice Stream: Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice with a specialisation in Creative Arts Therapy, are eligible for ANZACATA Professional level membership.
Those who exit with a Graduate Diploma are eligible for ‘Tier’ membership. Please see ANZACATA’s website for further details.