Arts and health is part of how we care for people at St John of God Health Care. Through creativity and culture, we support wellbeing, enhance care experiences and create welcoming environments.
What is arts in health
Arts in health recognises that engagement with arts and culture can promote health and wellbeing, support recovery and enhance the experience of care.
At St John of God Health Care, arts and health brings together creative participation, therapeutic arts, visual art, and history and heritage to support the whole person — respecting dignity, fostering connection and creating opportunities for healing beyond physical treatment alone.
Our approach
Our arts and health approach provides comfort, connection, expression and moments of reflection during times of illness, recovery and care.
Arts and health programs are grounded in a holistic understanding of care, where people are supported as individuals with physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Through the arts, we create environments and experiences that help people feel seen, valued and connected — whether they are receiving care, visiting a loved one or working within our services.
Why arts and health matters at St John of God Health Care
Arts and health breathes life into our Mission, where every interaction is an opportunity for compassionate, committed and connected care.
Arts and health complements other forms of clinical care by:
- enhancing patient/client and visitor experience
- supporting emotional wellbeing and connection
- creating opportunities for stress reduction and positive distraction
- contributing to positive workplace environments
- fostering inclusion, dignity and belonging
- building relationships with the broader community.
Our arts and health offerings
Arts and health is woven into the fabric of our care in the following ways:
Participatory arts and health
We create opportunities for people to participate in creative experiences, including live music, performances, workshops and bedside activities such as our mobile art studio, cARTwheels. Our qualified allied health caregivers deliver creative arts therapies including art and music therapy to support recovery and wellbeing.
Art therapy at St John of God Langmore Centre.
St John of God Health Care art collection
We are custodians of the largest art collection of any health care provider in Australia and display our nationally significant collection of Australian contemporary art throughout our hospitals and services. Through changing displays and exhibitions we enrich everyday spaces and create hospitable and welcoming environments. Our collection supports reflection, dignity and connection for patients, visitors and caregivers. We care for our art collection and display it through industry recognised practices and ethical frameworks.
Artwork display at St John of God Subiaco Hospital.
Artwork display at St John of God Subiaco Hospital.
History and heritage
Our history and heritage connect us with the people, places and values that have shaped our care over time. At St John of God Health Care, we share the stories of our hospitals and services using heritage items and resources from the St John of God Health Care heritage collection. We do this in a variety of ways, from displays and exhibitions to history walls and trails, education programs and public talks. All support a sense of identity, belonging and reflection. We care for our heritage collection and display it through industry recognised and ethical practices.
Cup, saucer and doily from the St John of God Health Care heritage collection.
Arts and health programs vary across our hospitals and services. We invite everyone to engage in whatever way feels meaningful — whether by participating, observing or simply taking a moment to pause and reflect.