Our aim is to transform the healing journey of patients and those who care for them through art, imagination and play.
When the patient is a child or youth, they are also missing the important schedule of school, their friendships, and the routine of their daily life. They find themselves in a structured and sterilized environment in which they have little opportunity for decision making.
When they are transitioning out of the supportive environment of a hospital, they experience a reduced sense of self-worth, isolation, feelings of disconnectedness with their community. Research has shown that a hands-on arts activity, run by professional artists, can assist them in remembering these vital elements in their lives and help to create a sense of agency in those with chronic disabilities.
Visual art is a powerful and expressive communication tool and involvement in art improves mood, reduces depression, isolation and anxiety, and deepens connections with other people while offering the opportunity to make choices. Participating in group arts-based activities, contributes to well-being and ‘understanding through doing’.
Our participatory projects give a creative voice to children and teens in hospitals and community settings. Each project is tailored to meet the needs of the child or youth and is adapted to meet any physical restrictions they may have. We use all forms of visual art, theatre, dance, as well as co-create community ceremonies.
Our aim is to transform the healing journey of patients and those who care for them through art, imagination and play.
When the patient is a child or youth, they are also missing the important schedule of school, their friendships, and the routine of their daily life. They find themselves in a structured and sterilized environment in which they have little opportunity for decision making.
When they are transitioning out of the supportive environment of a hospital, they experience a reduced sense of self-worth, isolation, feelings of disconnectedness with their community. Research has shown that a hands-on arts activity, run by professional artists, can assist them in remembering these vital elements in their lives and help to create a sense of agency in those with chronic disabilities.
Visual art is a powerful and expressive communication tool and involvement in art improves mood, reduces depression, isolation and anxiety, and deepens connections with other people while offering the opportunity to make choices. Participating in group arts-based activities, contributes to well-being and ‘understanding through doing’.
Our participatory projects give a creative voice to children and teens in hospitals and community settings. Each project is tailored to meet the needs of the child or youth and is adapted to meet any physical restrictions they may have. We use all forms of visual art, theatre, dance, as well as co-create community ceremonies.
Puppetry in Endocrine
Puppets offer opportunity to help young patients understand their diagnosis, and provides them a creative opportunity and to say things, through the puppet, that they are uncomfortable saying directly.
Bringing art to the bedside
The tedium of a hospital stay can be discouraging and increase the sense of helplessness. Bringing arts activities directly to the patients' bedside offers a distraction and an opportunity to work to their best abilities, reminding them of their lives beyond the walls of the hospital.
Participatory Arts for Children
Participatory arts programs provide children and teens in hospitals and healthcare settings an opportunity to have a creative voice while staying in hospitals and healthcare settings.
While hospitalized, patients can feel isolated, and in children and teens this can be even more intense. By offering them a shared arts experience, and the opportunity to make decisions, they can begin to feel more hopeful.
Puppets on Endocrine
Programs can be created in any number of spaces. We undertook this project in a hallway and empty treatment room for children and teens newly diagnosed with diabetes who were awaiting visits to doctors, dieticians, and social workers. The projects were created between appointments and lowered the anxiety of the families and patients.
Isolation
For children and youth with disabilities, feelings of isolation and low self worth can be prevalent. Finding ways to communicate this through movement and dance can be helpful.
Hospital Alphabet
Youth and Mental Health
Puppets and Diabetes
Helene Hugel of Helium works alongside children who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes. The puppets created served to open communications with family and staff and was a distraction while the children waited for their next appointment.