Years ago I helped in the development an arts-as-healing or arts-in-medicine program with a faith based hospital. From time to time, I get asked about the process of starting such a program. So, I thought I would put it in a blog. There are plenty of places that are in need of such a program, from nursing homes, to rehab centers, to V.A.s, clinics, shelters, after school programs, churches, foster care homes and more! Arts in Healing or Medicine, whichever you would like to refer to it, is a program which shares the process of creating that promotes well being. Visual artist, musicians, writers, dancers, and theater performers visit various places to introduce the processes of creating various art forms to folks in need. The artist, teacher, crafters and or volunteers facilitate creative experiences and to their delight, the whole process can bring comfort and healing of the body, mind and spirt. Amazingly, it can also reduce pain and suffering, emotionally, spiritually and physically. At the bottom of this blog will be links that detail the scientific and psychological research in how "the act of creating" brings positivity to many in need.
Here’s a general step-by-step approach to help get you started with your own program:
1. Research and Develop
Understand Arts in Healing: Research existing Arts in Healing programs to understand their structure, benefits, and impact on patients, families, and healthcare providers etc.
My understanding of the benefits of art, comes from my own childhood health issues, where I found comfort and healing through art. Later, I volunteered with an Arts in Medicine program at a Christian-based hospital and witnessed the profound benefits firsthand.
Identify Needs: Prayerfully reach out to local hospitals, nursing homes, half way houses, shelters, clinics, or healthcare facilities or the lonely elderly neighbor that is house bound etc., to identify their interest in integrating arts programs with a Christian focus. Understand their patient demographics, specific needs, and any existing arts initiatives.
Create Goals: Seek God to help you define clear goals for the program, such as providing spiritual comfort, promoting healing through the arts, and enhancing the overall patient experience with creativity as the focus. Ask God for help and He will Answer you.
2. Build Relationships with Partners
Work with Various Resources: Partner with hospital administrators, chaplains, and healthcare professionals who can support and advocate for the program.
Engage Local Churches, Shelters, Foster Care Offices, V.A's: Seek support from local churches and Christian organizations willing to sponsor or volunteer in the program. They can provide resources, volunteers, and spiritual support to patients.
3. Develop Program Elements
Art Workshops: Offer art sessions that incorporate various themes, such as hope, faith, and healing scriptures or just artistic lessons in various disciplines or craft lessons.
Art Classes or Lessons: Prayerfully, conduct regular art classes or lessons where patients can create artwork. Provide a safe space for expression and emotional healing.
4. Find Artists or Art Teachers or a Crafters
Call for Artists/Art Teachers: Prayerfully recruit local Christian artists who are willing to volunteer their time and talents for the program. Seek individuals with a passion for both art and ministry. A good place to approach would be a local Christian College, various churches and local ministries in your area.
Call for Crafters: Remember that art can be intimidating for some people, so crafts might be a better option for them. It’s a good idea to find volunteers who enjoy activities like beading, coloring, or paper crafting, in addition to fine artists. Creative experiences don’t always need to be high art to be rewarding. Crafts can be just as fulfilling and enjoyable for participants.
5. Establishing, Begin and Evaluate
Pilot the Program: Start with a pilot phase to test program activities and gather feedback from patients, families, and healthcare staff.
Analysis Impact: Assess the program’s impact on patient well-being, spiritual comfort, and overall satisfaction. Use feedback to refine and improve program offerings.
Please Note: Do not look over this section. Piloting a program takes time, a lot of hard work and effort. You need to collect information in detail and a good amount of feedback from all involved to properly develop and implement any program. This could take several weeks or months. Be patient.
6. Promote
Raise Awareness: Promote the program within the community, healthcare networks, and local media to attract support and volunteers.
Seek Funding: Explore funding opportunities from local grants, charitable donations, or sponsorships from churches and organizations committed to healthcare and arts etc.
Please Note: Most people in business are left brain dominate (unlike most artist) and they respect facts and figures, in black and white. They want to read the reason behind a purposal for donated funds, they want to know the bottom line and they love spreadsheets with as much information as possible included, in a coherent and polished manner. If you are not good with collecting such information and organizing it into a Power Point presentation, spreadsheet or writing a purposal, then ask someone who is good at this task for help. Otherwise, anything not business-like will not be taken seriously.
7. Maintain Long-Term Enrichment
Sustainability: Develop a plan for ongoing sustainability, including volunteer recruitment, fundraising efforts, and program expansion to serve more patients and healthcare facilities.
Build Relationships: Foster long-term relationships with healthcare providers, volunteers, and community partners to ensure continued support and growth of the program.
8. Embrace Christian Values and Be Realistic with your Expectations
Be Compassionate: Show love and respect for everyone, regardless of their willingness to discuss faith. Maybe they were not fortunate enough to have been raised in a home where there is faith or maybe you are just supposed to be kind and loving toward them with no expectations from them. Offer to pray with participants gently. If they decline, respect their choice. Bring your Bible, just in case they want you to share, if not, then pray for them after you leave.
Handle Responses Gracefully: Recognize that everyone’s experiences are different. Be guided by compassion and patience, and let go of personal frustrations when dealing with people that are suffering or in physical pain.
Expect Rewards and Challenges: Some days will bring peace and comfort, while others may be more challenging. All parties will benefit, even if it doesn't always feel that way, in the current moment. For example, maybe they do not want to create anything, but watch you do art, listen to you read poetry or the Bible, play music for them or dance for them.
If you’re an artist or art teacher or crafter, please prayerfully consider volunteering or starting a similar program in your area. It’s a deeply rewarding endeavor that brings comfort and hope to those in need. By following these steps, you can successfully create an Arts in Healing/Medicine Program offering support and inspiration to many.
Frequent Question: How do I currently use my Arts in Healing experience these days?
I am an artist on call. I go to a friend's bedside, neighbor's house, churches, nursing homes, pre-schools or wherever there is a provided opportunity. I buy my own supplies. Sometimes I think it would be fun to do it again in a larger way, but I am fine with just doing it one-on-one, with no organizational affiliations. I get a call and grab my basket and go. If you are local and interested in starting your own program, please reach out to me. I welcome anyone who would want to shadow me to get a more firsthand experience.
If you have any further questions for me, please do not hesitate to email me at info@jenniferlueders.com or leave questions below.
Other Online Resources that might be beneficial: Arts in Medicine and Healing
National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH)
Offers resources, research, and networking opportunities for arts in health professionals.
International Arts + Health (IA+H)
Provides information on the use of arts in healthcare, including research and case studies.
Creative Forces: NEA Military Healing Arts Network
A National Endowment for the Arts initiative focused on supporting military service members and veterans through arts therapies.
Provides resources, articles, and information on how art can be used for healing and wellness.
Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care
A national association representing nonprofit aging services organizations, including nursing homes. Offers resources and best practices for enhancing resident care.
Focuses on transforming the culture of aging and long-term care, with resources on person-centered care and innovative practices.
American Health Care Association (AHCA)
Represents long-term care facilities and offers resources on quality care, policies, and best practices.
Veterans Affairs (V.A.)
Veterans Affairs (VA) - National Center for PTSD
Provides resources on PTSD treatment and research, including the role of arts in therapy.
Veterans Administration (VA) Office of Rural Health
Offers information on programs and resources for veterans in rural areas, which may include arts programs.
Provides support for wounded veterans and may offer arts-based programs and activities.
General Resource/Research
The Arts and Health Research Center (AHRCC)
Offers research and resources on the impact of the arts on health and well-being.
These resources provide a comprehensive starting point for understanding the role of the arts in healthcare settings and for connecting with organizations involved in these initiatives.
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