The Role of the Curator in Modern Hospitals: A Transcontinental Perspective

Hilary Moss, Desmond O’Neill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper explores the role of the curator in hospitals. The arts play a significant role in every society; however, recent studies indicate a neglect of the aesthetic environment of healthcare. This international study explores the complex role of the curator in modern hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten arts specialists in hospitals across five countries and three continents for a qualitative, phenomenological study. Five themes arose from the data: (1) Patient involvement and influence on the arts programme in hospital (2) Understanding the role of the curator in hospital (3) Influences on arts programming in hospital (4) Types of arts programmes (5) Limitations to effective curation in hospital. Recommendations arising from the research included recognition of the specialised role of the curator in hospitals; building positive links with clinical staff to effect positive hospital arts programmes and increasing formal involvement of patients in arts planning in hospital. Hospital curation can be a vibrant arena for arts development, and the role of the hospital curator is a ground-breaking specialist role that can bring benefits to hospital life. The role of curator in hospital deserves to be supported and developed by both the arts and health sectors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-100
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Medical Humanities
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2019

Keywords

  • Arts
  • Arts and health
  • Curation
  • Hospital
  • Medical humanities

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