Hospitals and healthcare facilities are more than just brick-and-mortar buildings offering medical care; they are spaces where patients and families experience life-altering moments. Art has the potential to play a transformative role in these settings. Below is a comprehensive guide to buying art for hospitals to foster an environment of healing, comfort, and positivity.
1. Consider the Healing Power of Art:
Multiple studies have demonstrated the therapeutic impact of art in healthcare settings. It can reduce patient stress, alleviate anxiety, and even, in some cases, reduce the need for pain medications.
2. Select Soothing Imagery:
Opt for artwork that evokes calmness, like serene landscapes, gentle abstracts, or images of nature. The aim is to provide an emotional refuge and counteract potential clinical coldness.
3. Avoid Controversial Themes:
Stay away from art that might be divisive or stir strong emotional reactions. Hospitals are diverse spaces, and the art should be universally comforting.
4. Size Matters:
Ensure the scale of the artwork aligns with the space. Larger artworks might be suitable for lobbies, while smaller, more intimate pieces can be chosen for patient rooms.
5. Opt for Durable and Cleanable Art:
Given the unique demands of a hospital environment, choose artworks that can withstand regular cleaning and are encased in materials like shatterproof glass or clear acrylic.
6. Budget Accordingly:
Whether you’re outfitting a small clinic or a large hospital wing, be realistic about your budget. Investing in quality art doesn’t necessarily mean overspending.
7. Engage Local Artists:
While there’s a vast array of art available globally, consider supporting local artists. This not only boosts community ties but also gives the facility a regional touch.
8. Include Varied Art Forms:
While paintings and photographs are the mainstays, consider sculptures, murals, or even interactive art pieces for a multi-dimensional appeal.
9. Ensure Proper Lighting:
Art is best appreciated under the right lighting. Ensure that artworks are appropriately lit, enhancing their impact and the overall aesthetic of the space.
10. Take Feedback:
Engage with hospital staff, patients, and visitors to understand their preferences and gauge the impact of existing artwork. Their insights can be invaluable.
11. Keep Rotation in Mind:
Art isn’t static. Consider rotating artworks every few months to refresh the environment and provide new visual stimuli for patients and staff.
12. Collaborate with Art Consultants:
If you’re unsure about making selections, consider hiring an art consultant who specializes in healthcare settings. They can offer expertise and help curate a cohesive collection.
13. Understand the Significance of Placement:
The placement of art should be strategic. Consider high traffic areas, waiting rooms, corridors, and even ceilings above patient beds.
14. Accessibility and Safety:
Ensure that all art installations, especially sculptures or floor pieces, don’t impede accessibility or pose safety risks.
15. Stay Updated with Art Trends:
While timeless pieces are valuable, it’s also beneficial to be aware of current art trends. This ensures the facility feels modern and relevant.
For those in search of high-quality artworks that align with the unique needs of hospitals and other various healthcare settings, Homiens’ curated collection will ensure you find pieces that resonate with a healing ethos, and which value to the patient experience.
Investing in art for hospitals is a commitment to enhancing patient care in ways beyond medicine. It’s an affirmation that healing is as much about the environment as it is about clinical interventions. It’s possible, through art, to make aesthetic choices which reflect this profound understanding.