National Arts in Hospitals Network

Art for Life, like many other arts teams working in healthcare settings, are members of the National Arts in Hospital Network (NAHN).  The National Arts in Hospitals Network is a membership organisation of NHS managers and professional leads who are involved in the leadership and delivery of Arts, Heritage and Design services across NHS hospitals. The purpose of the group is to share best practice, to find solutions and offer support to those working within this field of healthcare. We aim to raise the profile of our profession, strive to improve and standardise our approaches to working and to instigate innovative projects that celebrate the arts across the NHS.  Alongside the annual programme of events the Network offers opportunities for its members to collaborate on projects.

Funded by Arts Council England, NHS Charities Together in partnership with NHS England, Our National Health Stories was a project that SFT, along with 18 other Trusts was part of in 2023. The project engaged thousands of NHS staff through the arts and creativity to explore, share and reflect on what being part of the NHS meant to them, and the impact it has had on their lives.  The programme culminated in November 2023 with a day-long series of events, taking place as a relay across England, and one major finale performance, curated by Kwei-Armah and creative team.

Tiny Treasurers installation in the Wildlife Garden at Musgrove Park Hospital.  Design by Alison Milner, words by colleagues

Photograph by Art for Life