A new Novant Health initiative taps local creatives to support healing and community well-being.
by Michael J. Solender
In late April, Novant Health sent a callout for local artists to submit work to exhibit and sell in its gallery at Presbyterian Medical Center in Elizabeth. All proceeds from art sales would go directly to the artists.
The healthcare network had just launched The Art of Remarkable Care, a $500,000 initiative designed to engage local creatives and amplify the healing power of art for patients, caregivers and the broader community. Programs are being developed across seven Novant facilities — Ballantyne Medical Center, Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital, Huntersville Medical Center, Matthews Medical Center, Mint Hill Medical Center, Presbyterian and Rowan Medical Center — as part of the yearlong initiative.
“With the call, we expected 75 artist submissions for 30 spots,” recalls Kristen Howard, vice president of corporate affairs at Novant Health. “We received more than 300. This level of participation shows not just interest, but a real opportunity to connect. That’s exactly the kind of return we hope to see from this investment.”
Art as therapy
The therapeutic power of art has long been recognized in the medical field, and it’s often integrated into treatment plans for a wide range of conditions.
According to the American Journal of Public Health, consistent interaction with art — including listening to music — can boost immune-system response. Novant also cites studies showing that exposure to and participation in the arts can reduce chronic pain, stress and anxiety.
Through this initiative, Novant is building upon existing relationships with institutions like the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. A recent collaboration led to Charlotte Art on Prescription, a partnership aimed at addressing loneliness and social isolation through art experiences. Novant professionals recommend individuals for the program, which provides free access to museum events, live performances and art classes for a year.
“We’ve seen firsthand the remarkable impact art can have on our patients and their loved ones,” said Dr. Sid Fletcher, senior vice president and president of Novant Health’s Charlotte region, in a news release. “Art is powerful: It can inspire healing, and when paired with the expertise of our doctors and nurses, it can be transformative.”
Community health connections
Novant’s arts initiative extends beyond caring for patients to include families, caregivers, healthcare providers — and the artists themselves.
“Novant wants to increase access to care and enhance the experience while receiving it,” Howard says. “But we also want to help our community thrive economically by investing in local artists. We’re being very intentional about community engagement and how we support both individual artists and arts organizations.”
To facilitate local programming and connect with creatives, Howard and her team turned to Charlotte is Creative, a nonprofit that funds and supports local artists.
“What struck me early on was how Kristen began to consider how working with artists could positively affect their own health — and how we might introduce wellness concepts to the artists themselves,” says Charlotte is Creative co-founder Tim Miner. “That really emphasized Novant’s broader view of health, and it got me excited.”
Miner and his team are working with leaders of Novant’s regional facilities to evaluate existing arts programs, assess resources and begin shaping new, locally tailored experiences.
“One thing that stands out in our meetings with the Novant team is their desire to create something meaningful for the people who care for patients,” Miner says. “Our programming needs to create moments of inspiration and comfort for the staff.”
Though still in early development, programming is expected to ramp up throughout the summer and will include interactive experiences between visual and performing artists, patients, staff, and community members. Concerts, mural painting, dance and sing-alongs are just a few ideas under consideration.
“I think we’re going to tap into the innate creativity of each facility’s staff,” Miner says. “We’ll create opportunities for them to express themselves — either solo or alongside local artists. How cool would it be to see your radiologist playing in a jazz trio with two pros?”
Pretty cool, indeed. SP
