From Stress Reduction to Conversation Starters: Infusing the Visual Arts into Healthcare Settings

Blog contribution by Antonia Dapena-Tretter, Art Curator for Stanford Medicine | Children’s Health and Board Member at the National Organization for Arts in Health

NIHD members are dedicated to improving the design of their built healthcare environments—from a building’s architecture to the interior design elements, furniture, and finishes. The art chosen for a clinical setting is equally important.

Pictured Above: Michael Green, Gray Wolf of Rocks, glass reinforced concrete, polystyrene foam sheets, paint, plastic, rocks, and plants, in the Dunlevie Discovery Garden at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital | Stanford.

Pulling from evidence-based design research, Antonia Dapena-Tretter uses her background as the Art Curator at Stanford Medicine | Children’s Health, and board member at The National Organization for Arts in Health, to make the case for including artwork commissions and murals in every hospital or clinical space.

Whether you’re just curious, or already a seasoned Arts in Health professional looking to rationalize your artwork selections, Antonia’s article covers topics such as the tangible benefits of nature on patient recovery times, the longstanding discourse around abstract versus figurative art, and some ways to make your community feel welcomed at the hospital through DEAI-focused commissions.

 

NIHD collaborates with clinicians, design professionals, academics and industry partners in the healthcare design process to shape the future of healthcare design.