Paintings in Hospitals has announced its first major collaboration with Four Seasons Health Care Group on a new inclusive digital art project to bring culture and creativity into the daily lives of thousands of care home residents and staff.
Launched on 24 September, the Beautiful Planet project will provide a range of arts activities to over 160 care homes and communities throughout the UK.
As part of the project, 8,800 residents of Four Seasons Health Care and brighterkind homes will be able to view artworks from the Paintings in Hospitals collection both physically and digitally via screens and tablets.
They will then have the chance to explore the imagery, techniques, and inspirations found in the artworks first-hand through a suite of new engagement activities.
Dominic Harbour, relationship and development manager at Paintings in Hospitals, said: “Engaging with and creating art is part of what it means to be human, and we have been doing it since prehistoric times.
“Given the technologies available to us today, we can now be even more inclusive and creative than ever and the Beautiful Planet project allows us to share artworks with nearly 10,000 care home residents nationally, using high-resolution digital images and a range of resources that include audio playlists, wellbeing videos, and live webcams.
“Most exciting of all, though, is how the project focuses on individual health and wellbeing through personal creativity, involving anything from keeping a sketchbook or making digital photographs, to enjoying nature or listening to music.
“We are delighted to be helping Four Seasons and brighterkind residents find support for their health, happiness and wellbeing through these specially-designed activities.”
Steve Gardner, head of product development at Four Seasons Health Care Group, adds: “Arts and culture offer a wide variety of opportunities to stimulate a diverse range of interests, have many benefits for health and wellbeing, and have always been an important feature in our Magic Moments activities programme.
“Art has a wonderful way of evoking special memories and making us reflect in a way that’s personal to everyone and the range of activities associated with the project isn’t restricted to creating art, but do guarantee creativity, thoughtful discussion, and good times.”
Some of the Beautiful Planet activity 'recipe cards' inspired by artworks from the Paintings in Hospitals collection and specially-designed for care home residents