Intersectional care ethics in art therapy organizations

This article presents intersectional care ethics as a framework for inclusive, anti-oppressive organizational structures and practices. A brief literature review documents the increasing demand in the art therapy field for theory and practice that is politically engaged and rooted in social justice. Two frameworks for analyzing an organization’s alignment with justice and equity are discussed: intersectionality theory and care ethics. Barriers to creating and maintaining just, equitable, and ethical organizations are also described, and examples are provided for how these barriers have been enacted in one professional association. The article concludes with recommendations posed in the form of questions intended to inspire creative conceptualizations of how intersectional care ethics might become manifest within art therapy organizations. •Organizational care ethics concern inclusive, anti-oppressive structures and practices.•Intersectionality theory and care ethics provide frameworks for organizational justice.•Barriers to ethically just organizations are described.•Recommendations identified for intersectional care ethics within art therapy organizations.