• One-on-One Visual Art Experiences for Patients – One-on-one art experiences to patients by providing chairside art kits during treatment. These kits are designed for patients with any level of art familiarity so that both those with no art experience and the professional artist can all enjoy the creative process and find an outlet for expression.
• Collaborative Visual Art Experiences for Patients, Family Members and Staff – An artist from the team creates a painting with the help of 10-12 patients. Gathered in a group, the patients make suggestions for what to paint, and the artist creates the painting during the session. This piece of art becomes a story told by the patients and the artist together.
• Virtual Art Connection – Artist volunteers record and upload projects to the virtual art connection. This video format is an opportunity for patients, family members and staff to create on their own time when an in-person experience isn’t possible or convenient.
• Musical Performances – Music will be used as an outlet for patients, caregivers and staff to take their minds off of the stress of medical treatment.

The mission of the Arts in Medicine program is to enhance the healthcare experience at Halifax Health - Cancer Center for Hope by providing channels for expression and creativity to patients, families, caregivers, and staff.

Arts in Medicine provides creative opportunities that supplement the patient centered experience, augment a positive workplace, and exhibit compassion toward patients, families, and staff. The arts give those in medical situations a way to share who they are as a whole person, rather than one who is defined by diagnosis. Arts in medicine experiences are responsive to patient-led goals not clinical goals, giving the patient an opportunity for relaxation, emotional release, entertainment, distraction from stress, and time to make and enjoy visual and literary arts, and music.

Whether you're an artist, poet, musician or you just want to give your time to make someone's day a little brighter, we are always looking for volunteers who want to share their time and talents.