In 2008, this project began with a small group of volunteers in a poor rural community in northeastern Brazil using art therapy to increase the knowledge of pregnant women about gestation, birth, and care of their babies. After positive results were seen within that community, the methodology was published as a book to be replicated in other states of Brazil. In 2010/2011, after being selected as a "Young Champions of Maternal Health" winner by Ashoka and Maternal Task Force competition, the project was adapted for the local culture in Mali and replicated in villages in West Africa with workshops using songs, poems, stories, crafts, and cinema. It continues to be implemented throughout Brazil, and since 2012, at the Institute Santos Dumont, a health, teaching, and research center in a rural area in Northeast Brazil. It is also used as a teaching strategy for students of medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, resident doctors, and multiprofessionals. It contributes to the development of attitudes, health education skills, and interprofessional education experience. It also provides information and educates groups to empower women about their health and rights to make informed choices regarding pregnancy and childbirth.
Keywords: Art therapy; health education; maternal health; medical education.