In 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was agreed upon between Creative Ireland, the Department of Health (Healthy Ireland), the Health Service Executive (HSE) Health and Wellbeing, and the Arts Council. This MOU aims to develop a partnership to deliver sustainable, effective and high-quality creative programmes and initiatives to support health and wellbeing goals. A working group titled ‘RENEW’ was established for the delivery of the MOU objectives.
In 2023, under this MOU, HSE Healthy Ireland received €124,470 in funding for various arts and health initiatives across Community Healthcare Organisations (CHOs) and Hospital Groups (HGs) focusing on the themes of ‘Expanding Arts in Hospital settings’; and ‘Celebrating Culture Diversity through the Arts for Staff Health and Wellbeing’. In 2024 the HSE HI Team with the CHOs and HGs submitted several proposals for funding and were successful in receiving a grant of €174,000 from the 2024 RENEW arts budget. The proposals receiving this funding include:
Arts and Health in Hospital Settings Supporting Service Delivery
A sum of €111,200 is allocated for six Hospital Group’s to implement a number of music and art initiatives to enhance patient and visitor wellbeing. Live music events and artist-in-residence programmes will increase patient engagement and provide creative outlets. These projects will also support several hospitals in implementing new art programmes, including workshops and art installations.
Celebrating Culture Diversity through the Arts for Staff Health and Wellbeing
The grant also included €62,800 for seven CHOs, six Hospitality Group’s and one national setting to implement projects, including the development of arts and literature clubs; culture and diversity initiatives and events; creativity workshops; and the development of creative assets (gallery wall, murals, exhibitions) celebrating the diverse culture of staff for showcasing in various workplaces. These initiatives aim to develop a better understanding and appreciation among staff of the different cultures that exist in the HSE and to increase staff awareness of the role that creative arts play in positively impacting staff health and wellbeing.
These projects are currently underway and will be delivered by the end of 2024.
