pARTy Week

The iconic Play Deck in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital will be transformed into a buzzing hub of activity, art and music for the WCH Foundation’s pARTy Week from 21-25 September 2020.

pARTy Week, organised by the WCH Foundation, is a key event in the Foundation’s milestone celebrations for 10 years of its Arts in Health program.

Each day will feature a different South Australian visual artist and musician. Patients will have the opportunity to experience interactive art activities, while their families and Hospital staff will enjoy the atmosphere and tunes by various musicians – from DJs, to violinists, and an Aboriginal songstress.

WCH Foundation Acting CEO, Jodi Wright, said pARTy Week will be a wonderful opportunity to bring the Hospital community together to enjoy a creative and fun atmosphere, and celebrate the impact of Arts in Health.

“WCH Foundation staff have envisioned and created an arts week to inspire creativity and learning by engaging patients in some very special art activities,” she said.

“The artists will be on hand to guide patients through their activities which include using a unique painting machine, botanical drawing, and creating a community artwork exploring Aboriginal art symbols.”

The WCH Foundation’s Arts in Health program is funded by donations from the South Australian community.

“Our Arts in Health program helps to relieve the stress and anxiety patients may feel while being in Hospital and demonstrates the role the arts can have alongside clinical health care,” Ms Wright said.

The program features a wide range of creative therapies including play, music, art and animal assisted therapy, an exhibition program across four gallery spaces in the Hospital, Artist Residencies and art workshops for patients and staff, and literature projects for babies.

Women’s and Children’s Hospital Network CEO Lindsey Gough said the daily art activities will be available to inpatients in a COVID-safe setting.

“pARTy Week will give people within the Hospital the chance to come together to get creative and express their feelings in a therapeutic way,” Ms Gough said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the quality family-centred care we provide to women, babies, children, young people and their families.

“We would like to thank the WCH Foundation as well as the ongoing support of the community for making this week of exciting activities possible.”

Please note there are visitor restrictions in place at the Hospital due to COVID-19. Therefore, only inpatients, their families, and staff can take part in the activities.

A COVID Safe Work Plan has been approved by the WCHN Command Centre.