University of Florida Homepage

Shands Arts and Medicine

2014

Project Image

Artists in Residence work annually with over 100 volunteers from the Gainesville community and the University of Florida to engage patients, families and staff in creative disciplines of dance, writing, music, visual and contemplative arts.

The dynamic of patient and artist working together fosters open communication, avenues for expression, opportunities to deal with fear, and strengthens the patient’s sense of control during times of crisis. This collaboration serves two purposes: allows patients and families to participate in activities that enhance the hospital experience and to display their work in order to personalize the physical setting and make it more inspiring.