Over recent years there has been a growing understanding of the positive impact that art and music can have on health and wellbeing - particularly in a hospital environment.
Artlink is Oxford University Hospitals’ arts programme, funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity. We use the visual arts, performance, music and literature to create a more welcoming, calm and attractive hospital environment; run creative projects to reduce stress and alleviate boredom for patients; and utilise the arts to engage with staff and support health and wellbeing,
Arts projects are developed in close collaboration with staff to ensure they meet the specific needs of their patients – from decorative ceiling tiles to provide distraction for young patients whilst undergoing an uncomfortable procedure; to corridor artwork to prompt memories and conversation for older patients and encourage them to get out of bed and exercise.
There is now a wealth of research showing that the arts can provide real, measurable health benefits to patients. Studies have shown that music can lift mood and decrease levels of depression, and creative projects can reduce the perception of pain and the length of a patient's stay in hospital.
The creation of a positive and uplifting environment can do much to improve wellbeing and quality of life for patients, visitors and staff.
We work with artists and designers to develop site-specific commissions to create more positive and calming environments for patients. They develop their designs in close consultation with hospital staff to ensure designs meet the needs of specific patient groups - from decorative ceiling tiles to distract patients when having a scan, to artwork that simulates memory and conversation for older patients, to playful imagery that engages young patients whilst undergoing uncomfortable procedures.
Long stay patients can experience boredom which can lead to rumination, anxiety and worry. Bedside activities led by creative practitioners can counter depression, create mindful engagement and restore a sense of self. Projects such as artist-designed colour and puzzle books and Harry's Audio Library have been developed to provide distraction and pleasure for patients, particularly for those spending a long time in hospital or who have few visitors.
Artists transform our Children's wards and departments to create fun, welcoming and stimulating environments that feel less intimidating and clinical for young patients. From radio podcasts to fun-packed comics produced with commissioned illustrations to help prepare children for an operation - creative projects distract and engage our young patients during their stay.
Many older patients find it disorienting and stressful to come into the hospital. Our creative activities and music programme can reduce anxiety, and lift mood and help staff connect with the individual behind the illness.
Read the poem here...Be Kind to yourself.
Benefits of the Arts
There is now a wealth of research showing that the arts can provide real, measurable health benefits to patients.
Studies have shown that music and visual arts can:
Ways to support Artlink
Further Info Donate
To find out more about bringing the arts into a hospital environment contact:
Ruth Charity
Tel: 01865 234 921
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.ouh.nhs.uk/artlink