What is Arts in Medicine?
“My art saved my life. Everyday that I questioned, “Why am I still here?” , when I returned to music, writing, movement, play, every action called me to just be. Just be, and laugh and cry, and heal and grow. And just being is as good a reason as any, to stay. ”
It’s simple; there is healing in the process. Though the field can seem ambiguous, Arts in Health, or Arts in Medicine is the the use of arts (through art making or engagement) as facilitated by a professional artist, to support health and wellness in healthcare and public health settings. Arts in Medicine professionals work alongside clinicians, administrators, policy makers, and researchers, offering a unique framework to support wellness, which is simply the innate use of creativity and play that we seem to lose along the way. We work in hospitals, behavioral health support settings, schools, community centers, museums, libraries, etc., offering a range of services from bedside performances, palliative care support, community art making, and workshops supporting physicians and caretakers in burnout prevention and compassion fatigue reduction.
I have found great joy in providing musical support as a violinist aiding in end of life care in hospice facilities. These bedside performances ensures that there is a continued human connectedness, ongoing inspiration, comfort and peace as patients transition and families process the challenge of the unknown.
I am honored that I get to work alongside other helping professionals, using the tools that have supported and maintained my health. If you need a dose of creativity in your wellness routine, for support as a caretaker, or imbedded in the infrastructure of your organization, reach out, and let’s make some art!
