Art & Heritage

Although art has been included in hospitals for a number of centuries, current trends reveal a marked increase in arts-related activities with a number of organisations dedicated to supporting these developments. These exciting projects taking place across the UK all reflect an enlightened recognition of the positive and healing effect of the arts in healthcare.

The arts projects currently undertaken by the Charity's Art and Heritage Department are extremely varied and range from site-specific commissions through to participatory activity and residencies spanning both the visual and performing arts.

Click on any of the images below to see the full picture

Thomas Heatherwick's 'Boiler suit' at Guy's Hospital

Milou van Ham's suspended sculptures at Sunshine House

Gamelan lessons with patients at the Evelina Children's Hospital

Activities and programmes aim to enhance the quality of the environment for patients, visitors and staff through the collection, preservation and imaginative display of objects in Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals. It encourages participation in creative activities in order to promote a holistic approach to healthcare, which takes into account the need for physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. Links with the local community are an integral component of the programme.

The Art and Heritage programme contributes to the wider discussion on arts in the healthcare environment. For more information, read ‘Arts in health: a review of the medical literature’ on the Arts Council website, or find out what the Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Health says on the subject »