Art and design lecturer’s work recognised internationally

Simon integrates professional practice into his teaching.

UHI Perth lecturer Simon Reekie, who teaches across art and design courses at UHI Perth, has gained international recognition with his artwork selected for the front cover of the December 2025 issue of the International Journal of Art Therapy.

The International Journal of Art Therapy is the peer-reviewed journal of the British Association of Art Therapists, and the cover feature highlights Simon’s ongoing professional practice as both an artist and an HCPC-registered art psychotherapist.

Simon is also preparing to submit a research article to the journal based on an art therapy pilot group run at UHI Perth. The project explored relational, material and facilitation processes in art therapy with further and higher education learners.

Alongside his lecturing, research, and painting practice, Simon works in mental health charities and private practice as an art psychotherapist and counsellor, and has recently been invited to join the Board of Trustees at Project Ability, a leading Scottish arts and mental health charity.

At UHI Perth, Simon’s lecturing, research and professional practice inform course development and teaching focused on socially engaged art, including creativity and wellbeing, where students undertake placements that support progression into careers in community arts, arts education, art and health, and the wider creative industries.

Speaking about the significance of integrating professional practice into teaching, Simon explained:

“Art and design education is about more than making - it’s also about connecting. When we embed wellbeing, social engagement, collaboration and reflective practice into our teaching, students gain the confidence and skills to use creativity to support both personal and community transformation.”

UHI Perth’s art and design programmes emphasise industry relevance, community connection and career development, with learning shaped through real-world projects and external engagement.

Learn more about art and design courses at UHI Perth.

Learn more about the student placements.