Art in Hospitals

The 2025 National Arts in Hospitals Network conference in York

“Reciprocal Funambulists – Balancing Creativity and Care”

It was a wonderful experience to connect with like-minded artists and clinicians to share ideas and knowledge about the benefits of using art in healthcare settings.

The network’s strategy to create a UK-based Knowledge Exchange Programme and their desire for meaningful, practical collaboration, such as sharing programmes, exhibitions, or touring artworks, and learning from Trusts at different stages of their arts in health journey is interesting to read more about in their summary document below.

Here is what I contributed to the event; it was such a pleasure to be there.

Nicola Gill’s keynote, “The Art of Medicine”, was interesting and inspiring, as she discussed both the clinical and human dimensions of using art as a catalyst for learning about uncertainty and being human. Nicola has used art and creativity as resources in her work as a GP and medical educator for 25 years. Nicola said, “Art bathes us in positivity, improving wellbeing and health outcomes.” Nicola described how art is a powerful tool for doctors to reflect on what it is like to be a patient, and how important art is in medical education, by facilitating learning and using art as a catalyst for change.