Tulane Arts In Medicine Program

The Arts in Medicine (AIM) program provides arts-related workshops, activities and performances for patients, their caregivers, and staff. AIM recognizes the integral role of the arts in healing the spirit and transforming the treatment experience. A creative outlet helps to reduce stress, anxiety, boredom and the perception of pain. Programming includes fine arts workshops, group art activities, music therapy sessions, chair-side crafts in infusion, music performances in the waiting areas and more. One-on-one sessions may also be scheduled. No artistic experience necessary!

Goals

Improve quality of patient care through integrated arts programming

• Reduction of stress, loneliness, anxiety and perception of pain
• Extended interaction with a caring and supportive individual
• Create a sense of control
• Restore a sense of individuality
• Create a safe outlet for emotion and provide a means of augmenting coping skills

Foster positive environment and sense of community for patients and staff

• An enhanced perception of the hospital as a nurturing and healing atmosphere
• Strengthen communication between patient and staff members

Beautify the space

• Color and warmth upon the walls translates into happiness and cheer within patients and staff

Programming

Since its implementation in May 2010, AIM has grown tremendously and is now offered to patients across Tulane Medical Center. Offerings change regularly. Please check calendars for the updated schedule of the following programs. Private sessions can be scheduled with an artist-in-residence by appointment. Please call the Arts in Medicine office at 504.780.6830.

• Infused with Creativity: Cancer Center Artists-in-Residence roam the Infusion Suite offering coloring, crafts, conversation and card playing.
• Music in Medicine: Cancer Center Musicians stationed in various areas of the Cancer Center provide music and music-related games for patients.
• Music Mends: Cancer Center & Pediatric Outpatient Clinic Medical student musicians provide music and music-related games to patients.
• Creative Clinic: Pediatric Outpatient Clinic Artists-in-Residence offer arts and crafts to patients in Hem/Onc and color with children awaiting appointments in the lobby.
• Music Therapy Sessions: Pediatric Inpatient Certified Music Therapist visits children in inpatient rooms, PICU and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit to conduct sessions focused on music play/exercise, sensory stimulation, songwriting and more.
• Art Cart: Pediatric Inpatient Artists-in-Residence visit children in inpatient rooms, PICU and the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit with arts and crafts projects.
• Art Packs: Hospital-wide, upon referral (teen & adult long term patients only) Leave-behind gifts containing a variety of art supplies and creative activities.
• Art On Call: Hospital-wide, upon referral An artist-in-residence will visit with a patient in any unit within the hospital upon referral for crafts and conversation.
• Med-top Mosaics: Hospital-wide (staff) Beautification initiative that recycles the colorful tops of medicine vials into unique works of art to be displayed throughout the hospital.
• Workshops & Events: Hospital-wide Fine Art demonstrations teaching the basics of a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Past workshops have included Portrait Photography, Silk Painting, Beaded Jewelry, Bookbinding, and Suminagashi (Paper Marbling.)
• Recreation Therapy: Stroke Rehab at Tulane Lakeside Artists-in-Residence work with the nurses and therapists of the unit to provide arts and craft projects to the patients that help to continue their rehabilitation exercises in a fun and creative manner.

Artist-in-residence team & contact

The artist-in-residence team is made up of Volunteers, Service Learners, Interns, and Practicum students from Tulane Medical School, Tulane University, Loyola University, and the community-at-large. Professionals and therapists for certain programming are brought in on a contract basis.​​

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact:
Kristen Girardot, MMT, MT-BC
Email Kristen Girardot