Arts in Medicine
At NYC Health + Hospitals, we believe that true healing extends beyond clinical care. In 2018, with support from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, we established the Arts in Medicine department—an initiative that integrates evidence-based benefits of the arts into healthcare environments.
Through visual, literary, and performing arts, we create moments of connection, comfort, and joy for patients, families, and staff. Whether it’s a mural enlivening a hospital hallway, a poetry workshop offering emotional release, or live music easing anxiety in waiting rooms, our programs are designed to uplift and heal.
Why it matters
Research shows that even brief engagement with the arts can reduce loneliness, elevate mood, and improve both mental and physical health outcomes. In a place where people come to heal, creativity becomes a vital part of the continuum of care.
Under the best circumstances, healthcare work is demanding and stressful, so finding ways to heal ourselves as we heal others is vital. Our Arts in Medicine department serves as a model for hospitals across the country. Our visual collection brings joy and beauty into our facilities and serves as a reminder that we are stronger when we come together across all sectors of the system.Dr. Mitch Katz
CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals
Watch how our Arts in Medicine program brings healing, hope, and creativity to patients, staff, and communities across NYC Health + Hospitals.
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Arts in Medicine
The Arts in Medicine department at NYC Health + Hospitals is part of a larger systemwide strategy to support workforce wellness. The department fosters the emotional well-being and promotes healing for patients, families, and caregivers. This is accomplished through activities and programs that utilize the visual, literary and performing arts throughout the Health + Hospitals system.
I am particularly proud of the courage, competence, and resilience of the staff at NYC Health + Hospitals. Under the best circumstances healthcare work is demanding and stressful, so finding ways to heal ourselves as we heal others is vital. Our Arts in Medicine program serves as a model for hospitals across the country. The community murals bring joy and beauty into our facilities and serve as a reminder that we are stronger when we come together across all sectors of the system.Dr. Mitchell Katz
President and CEO
NYC Health + Hospitals
Research has demonstrated that engaging in art activities even for a short time each day makes you;
- Happier
- More joyful
- Less lonely
- Positively impacts your mental health
- Positively impacts your physical health
Arts in Medicine stewards, curates’ evidence-based design in our hospital spaces, exhibits and creates greater access for the health system’s visual art collection. In addition, the department develops evidence-based programs and art interventions for our health care facilities and clinics. This is achieved by combining artistic innovation and education into high-quality health care that supports the healing benefits of the arts.
We believe that the arts and art programming are an essential component of the continuum of care to support healthy, vibrant communities.
