Exposure to the arts has a profoundly beneficial impact on patient health and wellbeing, and health literacy in the community. That is why Health Infrastructure is the proud sponsor of the NSW Health Infrastructure Arts and Health Award for the 2022 IMAGinE Awards.
This joint initiative between Museums & Galleries of NSW and HI is designed to foster strong partnerships between cultural organisations and their LHDs to develop meaningful programs that contribute to better health outcomes in local communities. Funding of $10,000 is provided to the award winner, to further develop their local programs.
Representing Health Infrastructure at the Award ceremony Chief Operating Officer, Emma Skulander announced this year’s inaugural winner: Gosford Regional Gallery and Gosford Hospital for their project Weaving for Wellbeing.
“The winner of this award had significant competition, in a pool of metropolitan and smaller regional institutions, worthy of celebration in and of itself,” Emma said.
“There are three key reasons why their application was a standout: the objectives of the award were met unequivocally, genuine partnership and collaborative experience between cultural and health institutions, and patient benefit.
“The artist and Elder led weaving workshops, providing a conduit for kindness and compassion and respite between periods of treatment for high repeat patients in the Chronic Health Unit,” Emma said.
Gosford Regional Gallery Director, Tim Braham said, “This award gives us the opportunity to bring local weaver, Lisa McArthur Edwards and First Nations artist, Aunty Daniela ChedZey to Gosford Hospital to work with staff and patients on weaving projects throughout 2023.
“The workshops they run will focus on using weaving for mindfulness, sharing of stories and removing the isolation for patients with chronic illness.”
Fiona Wilkinson, CCLHD Redevelopment Lead said, “This arts program commenced during the Gosford Hospital Redevelopment and is a partnership between Health services, Central Coast Council, Gosford Regional Gallery and the community.
“We are very excited to receive the award, it is recognition of the growing partnership with the Gallery and the benefits the arts can bring to our patients, carers and the community.”