Art in hospitals...a waste of money?

Tropez

It'd be nice if our local hospital had some artwork.

Sitting in the various waiting rooms, looking at the walls, all I see are various notices about how many different ways there are to die.

halibut2209

I find the most interesting comment being that it was the council that paid for it. And if that's the case, then I see no problem.

One of my pet hates is people who say that art shouldn't receive funding as it could be better spent elsewhere.

Well, ANYTHING could be better spent elsewhere, it's all subjective.

We are humans, and one thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to be creative, and to create works of art.

Now, I may hate a lot of art, which I do. Especially "modern art". But if we start to stop people from being creative, or rather giving them the opportunity to be creative, then we lose a HUGE part of what it means to be human.

Emmarillo

I don't see why hospital walls couldn't be used as a gallery for art students. It would be a way for them to get their art seen and sold (discreet price tag on the picture) and would provide an ever changing exhibition for staff and patients at no cost to the NHS.

Person_one

Look at the research, there's a definite link between arts and health, its money well spent. It shouldn't be an either/or choice between traditional healthcare and artwork, both should be funded.

http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/current_projects/enhancing_the_healing_environment/index.html

lostinrates

I have no problem with art in hospitals...apart from often its no good. I love the idea of donated art from students/schools...seems a good motivation for the artists to know their work could be the thing cheering people up, and that it will get a wide audiance. I also thing it could be a good ''shop window'' for local artists, and amateur artists.

I do wish though, they'd put up ''better'' art (classic, modern or photographic ) fewer simple graphic prints or photos. Often you look at a picture in a waiting room for over an hour....its an opportunity we rarely have in life to look and appreciate ''complex'' pieces of art with a story to explore.

Lotus-eater

Tropez wrote: »

It'd be nice if our local hospital had some artwork.

Sitting in the various waiting rooms, looking at the walls, all I see are various notices about how many different ways there are to die.

Same as my local doctors. Interesting in a sort of medical way, but so depressing.

Ames

I spend a fair bit of time in hospitals (especially St. James' Errata), and I find that looking at the artwork as I'm walking down the corridors distracts me and calms me ready for my appointment.

I don't think much comes from the NHS budget though, usually there's plaques saying 'donated by' or 'fundraised for by'. In Scarborough hospital they even have artwork on the walls that's for sale - I'm not sure if they're making money from selling it, or if they're just acting as a showcase for the artist. Either way it shouldn't be costing them anything.

As for the blood tests, I've had a couple lately that the lab have argued I shouldn't have, or just not done. But they were for very good reasons and I just had to go and have the blood taken again. To someone not involved in my care, I'd appear to have lots of tests for 'no discernible reason', but there are very good reasons.

rachbc

Yep, I think there should be art in hospitals, art enriches peoples lives in so many ways.

caledonian_princess

I like the art in the local hospital, when I've been in there visiting I often stop to look at it. It brightens the place and helps dispell the "institutional" look that so many hospitals have. So yes, I do think that there should be art in hospitals.

Ravenlady_2

I love seeing the art the kiddies have created on the route to the children's wards.

I think many area's of the NHS budget needs a rethink and yes £45k for an art therapist may sound waaaay over priced but who knows what sort of patients they deal with, terminally ill children? Its not all paint by numbers.