Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota Wins International Award for Therapeutic Art Program!


Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota received the top international award for “Use of Art in the Patient Environment” from the International Academy of Design and Health for its program “Arts & Healing and Urban Renewal.”

The Minnesota healing arts program was selected out of almost 100 submissions from organizations representing more than 30 countries around the world. The award honors organizations specifically for professional excellence and ability to bring research and design into creating a health-promoting environment.

Children’s Arts & Healing and Urban Renewal project, which was launched in January 2010, has been entirely supported through the generosity of the community, through individual, corporate and government grants. The program has been well received by patients and families with 80 percent indicating in a survey that they stop and personally interact with the art. In addition, for children participating in the hands-on art projects, 41 percent said they felt better after the project.

“A growing body of evidence suggests the integration of arts positively contributes to health outcomes and the health care experience for patients, families and staff,” said Theresa Pesch, RN, executive director, Children’s Foundation, and VP, Development, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. “We believe that the experience of art is healing and designed an integrated program where our patients and families can view and interact with art, make art and watch live performances.”  

http://www.childrensmn.org/starrynight/about-the-event/art-award

I am so proud of Minnesota for being a leader in the field of art-based therapy. In order to continue growing this fantastic program, I have been asked to help co-anchor a live children’s television show broadcasted throughout the hospital! I am so excited and cannot wait to get going on this project and bring a little love, light and laughter to these young patients.

Art Heals!

Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012  

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