Seventeenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

There is strong empirical evidence that arts and health activity in hospitals improves the individual and collective experience of health and wellbeing for patients, carers, staff, and the community. Despite decades of work and recognised achievements in this area of practice however, the arts are still underrepresented in this space. In order to address this and enhance the profile of arts and health in Australia, a National Arts and Health Framework was developed, promoting greater integration of arts and health practice into health promotion, services, settings and facilities. This session explores the journey of an Australian public health organisation in embracing this Framework to develop a Creative Health Hub. The outcomes of this project saw the implementation of a regular performance schedule, dedicated art gallery spaces with rotatable exhibitions, creative workshops for staff, clinical creative health positions, the addition of public pianos, and the delivery of a music and arts festival. This showcase highlights the results achieved with patients, staff and the community through the development of the Creative Health Hub. The presenter also reflects on the challenges and considerations involved in creating space for the arts within a large organisation, including developing a vision and strategy, establishing stakeholder support, identifying key priority areas, fostering partnerships, and delivering sustainable and effective arts initiatives.