ABSTRACT
This chapter reflects on the aesthetics of the hospital space, through three case examples from pediatric work: (1) the Bathroom Project, a mural art project with teenagers; (2) Create-While-You-Wait, creative arts in the waiting room of the paediatric outpatient department; and (3) A Cure for the Soul, an orchestra in residence in the hospital. The chapter explores theory specifically addressing the aesthetics of space—how we use the arts within hospital spaces to support people to recover and improve well-being during one of the most difficult experiences of their lives—and give practical advice on how to shape an inclusive program that places the person receiving care at the very center of the planning and delivery of all arts activities, interventions, and commissions. It is argued that the arts are often neglected in hospital spaces, and in extreme cases people are deprived of access to beauty and the arts while ill in health-care institutions. The chapter offers simple, practical, cost-effective examples to improve the aesthetic environment of hospital, tackles the barriers and issues that arts managers must face when introducing arts in hospital, and offers advice regarding control, choice, and quality of arts in the hospital environment.
