Subscribe to our mailing list and receive a 20% discount on any purchase from our new shop!

ART IN THE ER

Using art to support the mental health of our healthcare workers

PILOT PROGRAM*

* This is a pilot program that we are grateful to have received funding to administer through the National Endowment for the Arts. If you do not work for one of the 6 hospitals listed below, and you believe your hospital can benefit from this program, please let us know by submitting the inquiry form below, and join our facebook group to stay up to date on our locations offered and connect with other medical staff across the country!

request blank canvases for your hospital

OVERVIEW

ART in the ER is a re-launch of our successful 2020 hospital program which served more than 30 hospitals across the continental United States. Read more about our work during the Pandemic that inspired this.

Large blank canvases were set-up in staff rooms, with paint supplies nearby and a simple direction sheet in sight. Whenever medical staff needed a break, they were encouraged to paint. After consistent monitoring and feedback, it became evident this program is not only justified during the Pandemic; healthcare workers are always in need of more activities specifically geared towards improving their mental health. We found that utilizing art as a tool for improving the morale and mental health of medical staff notably improved the quality of care given.

In 2023, the focus will be on underserved hospitals within the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache Nations, with whom we have pre-established relationships with that were initiated in 2020 during the first iteration of the program. We will provide blank canvas installations, art supplies, and unique and targeted educational information to staff rooms in order to benefit staff morale and mental health.

Identified Hospitals*

Gallup Indian Medical Center

Hopi Health Care Center

Tuba City Regional Healthcare Center

Flagstaff Medical Center

Sage Memorial Hospital

White Mountain Regional Medical Center

* All hospitals are within the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache Nations and are located within a 200 mile radius of each other.

OUR TARGET

These hospitals are relevant because they are:

GEOGRAPHICALLY-underserved

Native American Reservations generally receive notably less access to artistic opportunity. They are deprived of access to education, food (the reservations can be understood as “food deserts” – often, one might need to drive hours to the nearest supermarket), and other basic necessities. As a result, spending towards the arts is significantly lower than other areas in the US.

ETHNICALLY & economically-underserved

These hospitals are ethnically and economically underserved because they are within historically disenfranchised communities.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, there was an overwhelming amount of PPE donations directed towards the Navajo nation. However, during this time, nothing specific was provided to benefit the morale of the overwhelmed frontline medical staff. Each of the 6 hospitals listed above were so appreciative of our program, and often remarked how much this would help their staff past the Pandemic.

The Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States, spans across the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. Known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and traditional Navajo artistry, it is home to a vibrant community with a deep connection to their ancestral land. The Navajo Nation embodies a resilient spirit, preserving their traditions while adapting to the modern world.

The Hopi Nation, is celebrated for its ancient culture and spiritual traditions. Nestled atop 3 mesas, the Hopi people maintain a strong connection to the land, practicing agriculture and intricate crafts. Their Katsina religious ceremonies and intricate pottery are renowned, reflecting their unique heritage. The Hopi Nation's commitment to preserving their customs in a modern world showcases their deep-rooted resilience.

The Apache Nation comprises various Native American tribes residing in the Southwest and is known for their strong warrior traditions. The Apaches maintain a deep connection to their ancestral lands, demonstrating cultural richness through vibrant dances, intricate basketry, and profound reverence for the natural world. Their heritage perseveres, reflecting a strong sense of identity and resilience in the face of modern challenges.

program overview

Coming Soon

evaluation

Correlation between google ratings and patient satisfaction - will it go up?

Inbound satisfaction survey vs. exit satisfaction survey - Strong focus on mental health of staff

Indicator examples include # of hospital partnerships, # of canvases sent, # of resulting images shared, which symbols and colors were more prevalent on each hospital’s canvas, amount of blank space left on the canvas, amount of time it takes for a canvas to be full. We focus on outputs that can not only be indicators of the volume of participation, but rather place an emphasis on understanding the resiliency and morale levels of the hospital staff that participate.