THE National Arts in Hospitals Network (NAHN) recently launched the first comprehensive web-based guidance for establishing and managing hospital arts programmes across the UK at University College London Hospitals (UCLH).
The NAHN Arts in Hospitals Guidance offers a complete suite of resources covering six essential areas: governance, strategy, evaluation, collection management, art and environment, and participatory arts. Developed by creative health consultant Jane Willis in collaboration with NAHN members, with accessible visual design by Jennie Ives and funding from Arts Council England.
Guy Noble, Director of the National Arts in Hospitals Network, said:
“This guidance represents a watershed moment for hospital arts in the UK. For the first time, hospital arts managers and NHS leaders have access to comprehensive, evidence-based tools that demonstrate how creative interventions can be strategically embedded within healthcare delivery.”
Jane Willis, lead author, commented:
“By bringing together best practice from across the sector, we’ve created a resource that will foster confidence and reinforce the professionalism of this vital work while inspiring NHS trusts new to hospital arts to set up programmes founded on good practice.”
David Probert, UCLH Chief Executive, said:
“The arts in hospital are an essential component of patient care; they are not just an afterthought. This guidance provides the framework we need to ensure arts programmes are professionally managed, strategically aligned, and delivering maximum impact. We are fortunate at UCLH to have a strong charity which raises funds to enable this essential work.”
About the Guidance
The toolkit comprises 6 comprehensive guidance documents, 16 inspirational case studies from UK hospital arts programmes, and 14 practical tools and templates for immediate application.
Key areas include:
- Governance: Foundational management and funding guidance
- Strategy: Planning arts programmes aligned with NHS priorities
- Evaluation: Understanding value and impact through effective assessment
- Collection Management: Starting and developing hospital art collections
- Art and Environment: Integrating art into healthcare spaces
- Participatory Arts: Engaging patients and staff in creative activities
The guidance addresses NAHN’s mission for every hospital in the UK to engage staff and patients through arts to promote health and wellbeing, supporting both newcomers and experienced practitioners.
Alex Coulter, Director of the National Centre for Creative Health, added:
“Hospital Arts Programmes play a crucial role in the wider creative health ecosystem and can provide leadership at a place level in ensuring high quality creative health programmes are embedded in systems.”
Chris Easton, Director of Strategy and Impact at NHS Charities Together, said:
“The arts play a vital role in healthcare, helping to create more vibrant, therapeutic environments in our hospitals. By transforming clinical spaces, arts interventions can support recovery, reduce anxiety, and enhance patient and staff wellbeing. These new guidelines – the first of their kind – provide a clear, evidence-based framework to help organisations establish high-quality arts programmes in hospitals. Continued investment in this space is essential to the quality of care we all experience, and we’re proud to support this network and champion the importance of arts in health.”
The complete guidance is available as a free download at: www.nahn.org.uk/arts-in-
