Arts in Health
Through our Arts in Health program we use art, play, music and literature to encourage curiosity and creativity to reduce the stress and anxiety of being in hospital. Providing moments of calm in a busy health environment, we use creative approaches to healthcare and wellbeing.
Public Art
Our Arts in Health program activates and brightens areas of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital through public artworks and art installations to improve the health and wellbeing of the hospital community.
See public art
Play Therapy
Working closely with patients and their families, Play Therapists provide distraction to minimise anxiety and fear, help keep patients safe, prepare and support patients for procedures, provide emotional support and create positive fun and meaningful experiences.
See play therapy
Gallery & Exhibition Program
Our Arts in Health program activates coordinates a changing visual art exhibition program across five galleries located in the Women’s & Children’s Hospital. The Heart Galleries bring visual arts to the Hospital community to provide a space away from the stresses of treatment to distract, entertain and inspire, improving the Hospital environment.
See gallery & exhibition program
Book Buddies
The Book Buddies program makes a child’s hospital experience more enjoyable and encourages reading to improve literacy skills. Qualified Book Readers visit the wards, engaging children with the many adventures that can be had through reading books.
See book buddiesArts in Health Stories
Meet your Arts in Health team
At the heart of our Arts in Health Program is a dedicated team passionate about enriching the lives of women, children, and families through creative expression.
Connect with us
Join us in the power of connection.
Stay updated on our latest initiatives, explore exciting partnership opportunities, and celebrate incredible stories of impact. Together, we can create lasting change – follow us and become part of our community!
Volunteers make a world of difference 💛
From Book Buddies who share stories and spark imagination, to Dog Therapy teams who bring comfort and calm, to our corporate partners and individuals who generously give their time in many ways.
We’re so grateful for the energy, compassion and heart you bring to everything you do. Thank you for being such an important part of our community!
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Leah Newman is an artist living and working on Kaurna Land, drawn to her family’s rich botanical heritage. Separated from the landscapes of her upbringing, she reflects on the wonder that once surrounded her, exploring the tension between that beauty, our contemporary human condition, and our growing disconnection from nature.
This theme shapes Leah’s work, where subtle metaphors and narratives emerge through botanical and figurative elements.
Her focus on so-called “weeds” invites a shift in perspective. These resilient plants, often misunderstood, thrive in degraded soils and harsh conditions, prevent erosion, rebuild fertility, moderate climate, create habitats, and provide nutrient-rich food and remedies. By seeing these plants without labels, we can appreciate their inherent beauty and potential.
Experience this thoughtful and visually engaging exhibition in the Green Gallery at the WCH, located outside the Café on Level 2.
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@wchnetwork
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When you’re a young person with a complex, long-term chronic health condition, moving from children’s services to adult services can be an emotional and overwhelming transition. For some, the Women`s and Children`s Hospital has been a constant support throughout their lives, making the change even harder.
The WCHN Adolescent Transition Service supports young people and their families to feel understood, respected and supported throughout this challenging time in their healthcare journey.
The Transition Service has found that stepping away from the wards to have a dedicated conversation, over a simple coffee or hot chocolate can make all the difference. These moments help build trust, demonstrate respect care and encourage a smoother transfer to adult care.
Thanks to our donors, we help provide drink vouchers that create these small but meaningful moments of connection.
You can also help young people feel supported during this critical transition. To donate, visit the link in bio.
@wchnetwork
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