In 1990, a group of University of Florida physicians and Shands nurses from Shands at the University of Florida reached out to Gainesville community artists and began a collaboration that would have a lasting impact on patient care. The result of this partnership is a program called Shands Arts in Medicine.

What began as an investigation of how art might help reduce the stress of hospitalization has grown into a philosophy of care for an entire institution – a philosophy that centers on the belief that art is an integral component to healing.

Shands Arts in Medicine has developed a comprehensive art program that includes:

• Artists-in-residence working in the clinical setting using dance, music, drama, creative writing and the visual arts to enhance the patient experience.
• Using the visual arts to transform the physical hospital setting through rotating exhibitions, permanent art installations, and interior design.
• Partnerships with education and art institutions that expand the discipline of arts in healthcare, moving beyond the traditional patient care setting into the classroom and community – locally, nationally and internationally.

How Can I Learn More About Shands Arts in Medicine?

• Go on a site visit
• Consult with an Artist-in-residence
• Purchase the Shands Arts in Medicine Video