Organizations look to art to improve health outcomes

The Alice L. Walton Foundation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and Heartland Whole Health Institute are collaborating with Arkansas Children’s Northwest to explore ways the arts can improve health outcomes, according to a news release.

The Alice L. Walton Foundation will provide $338,000 to support the three-year collaboration. The organizations are expected to create “an arts-rich environment for patients, families, and staff” at Arkansas Children’s Northwest, the release shows.

Arts integrations include:
• Arts programming.
• Artwork installations, possibly including site-specific commissions.
• Training and development in arts integration.
• Research and evaluation.

“Integrating the arts into medical settings can help create an environment that supports whole health – physical, mental, emotional and social well-being,” said philanthropist Alice Walton. “We’re continuing to explore the art and wellness connection and look forward to launching this innovative program.”

This fall, the collaborating organizations will begin implementation planning. The goal is to launch the program in 2024 and continue through summer 2027.

“Art can harness the healing power within each of us. That is one of the reasons Arkansas Children’s fosters an environment of discovery and delight,” said Fred Scarborough, executive vice president and chief development officer at Arkansas Children’s. “This program will help us elevate that experience for children and their families. This initiative will promote patient health and healing as the hospital expands to remain right-sized for the community. We are deeply grateful for the vision and support from the Alice L. Walton Foundation.”