Yuwa – Art for welcome and way-finding
Yuwa – Art for welcome and way-finding Conference Paper
14th National Rural Health Conference: A World of Rural Health
- Author(s): Michalanney, A, Gibson, K
- Secondary Author(s): Coleman, Leanne
- Published: 2017
- Publisher: National Rural Health Alliance
Abstract: The use of art to improve health and healing environments in our hospitals is widely demonstrated. This case study explored the use of art in hospital redevelopment to achieve culturally appropriate, culturally safe and ultimately culturally effective design that positively impacts on the healing environment, and on patients and the broader hospital community. It highlighted the value of community consultation and engagement guiding art creation and purpose consistent with the needs of the local community. In the rural setting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a significant part of the community and account for a disproportionately high number of patients through the hospital doors. The important part that art plays in aboriginal culture and social fabric means that it can contribute even more to the welcome of these patients into the unfamiliar hospital environment. In this project, consultation with community groups identified that use of natural light, access to outdoor sitting areas, use of plants that are indigenous to the region, use of art and imagery, especially aboriginal art that was by local artists, would all assist greatly in helping aboriginal clients feel more comfortable accessing health services. It was also discussed that for many aboriginal clients in the region English was a second language and that traditionally characteristics of the land were used for way-finding rather than signs and writing (even if written in language). This critical feedback guided the health service to work with a group of local artists forming a community of arts and health practice for the life of the project. Themes representative of the region reflect safety, wellness and welcome drawing on local aboriginal imagery, motifs and stories. These were incorporated in sculptures, exterior decorative design, paintings and most importantly into way-finding vinyl designs for the floors throughout the building. The sense of welcome was further enhanced by continuing imagery across other media such as t-shirts of staff members, pamphlets and banners. The response to the project funded by the Percent for Art Scheme and the health service redevelopment was so successful that the health service invested in arts and health beyond the initial outlay implementing a consistent community and artist engagement strategy across all redevelopment work and beyond the initial campus to other areas of the service. Art and health practice is now integral to campus redevelopment and part of hospital life.
- Urls: http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/14nrhc/sites/default/files/Michalanney%2C%20Alicia_A9.pdf Available from, http://www.ruralhealth.org.au/14nrhc/program/concurrent-speakers Download site
- Publisher Location: Cairns