The Arts in Health

The National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) is the leading organization bringing the fields of arts and healthcare together. NOAH is committed to educating society about how art is an integral part to health and use multidisciplinary approaches to incorporate architectural design, works of art, and art therapy into healthcare and community living settings.

Arts in Health Program Studies

Studies have shown that when artwork is integrated into healthcare facilities there is a positive impact on the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients and healthcare professionals. Patients engaging in the arts have shown to use less pain medication and are more likely to comply with recommended treatments. Art is a natural therapeutic for pain, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It enhances patients coping and response to treatments, which can ultimately lead to faster recovery times.

From architectural design, art displays, access to natural lighting, and views of landscapes, the physical environment has a significant impact on patient outcome. These factors can also reduce errors, increase effective care, and improve job satisfaction in the staff.

“Within the arts lies a powerful, but untapped force for healing. The arts and science are two sides of the same coin, which is our shared humanity. Our ability to live fulfilling, healthy lives depend on bringing these two forces together.”

– Vivek H. Murthy, MD, MBA, 19th Surgeon General of the United States.

National Organization for Arts in Health

NOAH is the leading organization bringing the fields of arts and healthcare together. Their goal is the global integration of art and health. NOAH is committed to educating society about how art is an integral part to health and make it incorporated into medical education, treatment, and public wellbeing.

The Importance of Conserving Art in Healthcare

Since it has been proven that art in healthcare facilities is important, conservation and protection of it is also important. Health facilities are investing millions of dollars into art displays and need to budget for the maintenance costs of the continued preservation that is required. Conservators can be brought in to perform assessments and develop maintenance guidelines for the artwork to ensure proper care is given. Hospitals and other medical facilities that value patient care should invest in arts in health programs and maintain a yearly budget for conservation maintenance, to ensure their investment stays in excellent condition and patient care stays a priority.