Research & Evidence Based Art Programs
Our selections are not only curated based on aesthetics, but they are backed by research on the healing nature of different types of artwork, and the benefits nature photography in particular brings to patients. Researchers have learned much about the restorative effects of nature and nature photography. Our selection philosophy begins with the patient experience and therefore patient and staff areas are addressed with exceptional attention. Guided by extensive research and our knowledge of evidence based art programs, your collection is produced centering on your specific needs, and the well-being and sensitivities of your patients, staff, and visitors.
An excerpt from Healthcare Design Magazine’s article “Creating an art community”
“Anderson explains that a research branch of the project investigated the healing power of art and the effect different forms of art have on the patient. Not only did this research uncover that photography as the most engaging form of artwork in hospitals because of its worldly grounding ability, but also the composition of the images is important. ‘When I was going through my selection, I would not put something that was more graphic in the infusion area or the private infusion area; nothing jagged like rocks or even something that would make you think of movement like a waterfall, because you're in a state of nausea when you're going through that treatment,’ says Anderson. ‘We were very sensitive to that.’
Photos for Health is a unique community based art program that empowers patients, families, staff and the public to utilize the healing power of the arts through photography. The arts in many forms—photography, music, painting, dance, drama—can enrich all of our lives in so many ways. In addition to aiding us in healing, they can simply make us feel better. As an academic medical center where people come first, we are proud to help provide an environment which optimizes the patient care experience, and provide comfort and strength to those who provide these services. Our new innovative program in the Arts serves to enhance these experiences and represents our commitment to serving the diverse make up of communities here in Central Indiana.
The art of healing has been reflected by literary, musical and artistic masters over the centuries. Those sounds & images depict the complexities of the human spirit and the fragility of the human body.
They also frequently illustrate the role both the patient and the healer have in improving the mind-body connection. Science and art also cannot exist without each other as each brings an added dimension completing and embellishing its counterpart.
Photography is an art form that is accessible by most and easily understood, often acting as a mirror of our society. This project utilizes photographic images as an adjunct in healing and health which are integral in the traditional model practiced at Clarian Health Partners Inc. Our walls and public spaces are filled with works of art which celebrate the diversity, strength and beauty of the human spirit and condition. The work exhibited within the photos for health project captures and shares images created by us all and promotes healing by igniting positive emotions in those people who view them.
The arts give people a tool for self expression, which is readily evident and accessible through the visual media of photography as in this unique initiative. The arts provide insight into the human condition, suffering, and personhood as well as foster a feeling of our responsibility to each other. Art also offers a historical perspective on medicine. By paying attention to literature and the arts one can help to develop and nurture the skills of observation, analysis, empathy, and self-reflection. These are humanistic attributes that are essential for humane medical care, self healing and act as an adjunct in the healing journey. Medicine as a community is finally beginning to understand and appreciate this important aspect of health. The American Cancer society has recognized this importance and recommends complimentary alternative therapies like music and art to help us during illness.
Here at Clarian we believe in the healing power of the arts. The project allows for and encourages the process of creating art in addition to being a visual participant in the product. The power of creativity also fosters self-expression, self-awareness and enhances communication with others—it is infectious! By making, and interacting with visual images people are given a tool for self expression and reflection. It allows us to process information that maybe we don’t understand or that has been so overwhelming that we can only handle in small increments. This project helps instill hope, that instinctive human reflex in the face of negativism and despair, that when nurtured aids those in need of healing. The American Cancer society has recognized this importance and recommends complimentary alternative therapies like art and music to help patients and families during their illness.
Science has consistently demonstrated that artistic endeavors which represent positive human interactions and natural landscapes have dramatic physiologic consequences. Blood pressure can decrease, anxiety is lessened, post-surgical recovery is enabled, and less analgesia is needed. This results in a better overall patient experience as well as decreasing the length of hospital stays. Clarian utilizes these types of healing images in both public and patient care areas. The powerful images displayed help create a serene sense of well being and comfort which nicely emphasizes the mixture of the art and science of healing which we espouse—and these images were created by us—patients, families, staff and the general public who instinctively understood the importance that this project has for our system.
As an academic medical center where people come first, we are proud to help provide an environment which optimizes the patient care experience, and provide comfort and strength to those who provide these services. Our new innovative program in the Arts serves to enhance these experiences and represents our commitment to serving the diverse make up of communities here in Central Indiana.
The practice of art – either as an observer or as a literary, performing or creative artist – heightens the senses and the focus on detail. Reflection on creating art and its products and processes can increase awareness of self and others. This can aid us as healers and those in need of healing. It helps us all in coping with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences. Medicine as a discipline is finally beginning to recognize that, since we deal with people, an understanding of literature, the arts, history, ethics and philosophy is an accessory to becoming a better, more empathetic provider and care giver. More important it affords a powerful ally in the treatment of illness and disease. So go ahead and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of observing and making art--the opportunity simply needs to be presented and the benefits of bolstering self esteem, boosting energy, sidelining stress and improving adaptability will be forever appreciated. The photos for health initiative is the first of many unique arts based modalities planned for Clarian—stay tuned.
Jeffrey M. Rothenberg, MD, MS
Clinical Associate Professor
President: Faculty of the
Indiana University School of Medicine
Vice Chair for Faculty Development & Alumni Affairs
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