Ruth Switalski

Ruth Switalski is an artist and art psychotherapist. Her clinical work is with adults in community and forensic NHS settings, and she holds the role of Prisons and Forensics Representative for the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) Alba/Scotland committee. She has had research positions with the University of Dundee in parent-infant dyadic art psychotherapy, and in 2025 gained a Chief Scientific Office (CSO) Scotland New Researcher award for pre-doctoral study. She has recently contributed a book chapter about art therapy with women in prison in Scotland, awaiting publication through Routledge.

As an artist, she has exhibited nationally and internationally. Selected exhibitions include: (Forthcoming) Solo exhibition at Queens Park Railway Club, (2027); MK Calling, Milton Keynes Gallery (2024); Love on the Dole, QPRC (2024); Bodies of Work, New Glasgow Society (2021); Material Objects, Glasgow International Festival (2018); About eggshells and other possible becomings, Snehta, Athens (2017). 

Ruth's art practice extends to significant community arts projects throughout Scotland, many of which have centered care experienced young people. In addition, Ruth has worked collaboratively across the creative sector as an artist and art psychotherapist in research, therapeutic practice, curation, education and consultation with organisations such as: Royal Conservatoire Fair Access, Scottish Opera, National Theatre Scotland, Victim Support, NHS, WAVE Particle, Articulate Cultural Trust, Impact Arts and Cultural Enterprise Office.