Arts in health and why it is important
Taking part in the arts while in hospital can help children heal and recover faster and go home sooner. It can also lessen the amount of pain relief they need.
Expressing how they feel improves their emotional wellbeing and helps them build a stronger sense of self.
Our Arts in Health Program helps keep children and young people in touch with the world outside the hospital through:
- art workshops
- performances
- educational activities.
When children join in, they’ll connect with other patients and have a lot of fun together.
Visual art
We have visual art throughout our hospital and grounds. The artworks bring colour and joy to the building, you can explore them more closely if you take one of our adventure trails.
Our patients can also take part in art activities such as designing their own art.
Find out about our art collection.
Performances
We work with local cultural organisations to plan events for patients and families such as music, theatre and dance performances.
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Art workshops
Art workshops let our patients express themselves creatively while supporting their learning and development.
We offer themed workshops that include cultural and educational activities.
Our arts consultancy
If you’d like to start an arts program at your hospital or health facility, we can help you. We offer a range of consultancy services nationally and internationally.
What we offer
We can offer guidance on how you can:
- put together an art collection that’s relevant and offers connections with your local community
- commission artworks including finding artists whose work will be meaningful and inspiring for patients, families and staff
- manage artwork installation, cataloguing, maintenance, insurance, and publications
- manage consultations with your stakeholders
- develop arts programs and events including music, performances, and workshops for patients, families, visitors and staff across a wide range of art forms
- develop art strategies, policies, and procedures.
For more information read our Arts in Health consultancy prospectus.
About us
Our Arts in Health Program manager Lynne Seear has been a senior curator and arts manager for over 30 years.
Since 2011, Lynne has worked on the development and implementation of our multi-faceted arts program. She has an interest in the importance of arts and culture to wellbeing and bringing creative arts programs to healthcare settings.
She was previously Queensland Art Gallery’s Deputy Director of curatorial and collection development, where she had executive oversight of the curatorial programs and projects.
She also helped develop the Children’s Art Centre and managed the curatorial teams.
Contact us
For more information about our programs and services, email CHQ_Arts@health.qld.gov.au.