Wita Szulc (1941–2021)

The Outline of Scientific Biography

Abstract

This article includes the reconstruction of a scientific biography of Professor Wita Szulc, which is intended to make contemporary researchers familiar with the modern history of education. Also, it can inform teachers—both theoreticians and practitioners (especially those who practice therapeutic forms that employ art, i.e. those who wish to use art as a therapeutic tool)—about the achievements of a unique scholar who was one of the pioneers of art therapy in Poland and who created the scientific foundations and paved the way for the institutionalized development of the subdiscipline and
the specialisation of studies. In her life’s work, we can easily distinguish a continuous development of her knowledge and qualifications, and a patient scholarly reflection on culture and art in the areas of health promotion, education and upbringing. Not only did Professor Szulc carry out numerous studies on the history and methodology of art therapy, but she was also involved in the scientific promotion of the new generations of researchers and in the preparation of educational standards for future art therapists. Other important activities of her life include working for the integration and consolidation of Polish art therapy circles and bringing art therapy to the wider international scientific arena. Thus, the story of her life enables us to perceive Wita Szulc as a person who was truly and unconditionally committed to her mission of a pedagogue, scientist, organizer and manager of scientific life. The sources used to write this article mainly include the professor’s published texts and autobiographical materials, as well as the sparse discussions and essays concerning her activity that are available in the books on the subject.