The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston has announced a new arts initiative as part of its revitalization and expansion of its clinical facilities, including the development of a multisensory healing environment.
In a press release, Peter WT Pisters, M.D., President of MD Anderson, explained, “As we expand our reach, we do so with the understanding that art can have a profound impact on the healing process. Our new and revitalized spaces will foster an environment that is inspirational and conducive to many different forms of physical and emotional healing.”
Currently, MD Anderson integrates the arts through its Art Program and Art Committee, which selects artworks from the existing collection and determines placement throughout lobbies, exam rooms, corridors, and reception areas. In support of this new initiative, the organization has appointed Jennifer Finkel, PhD, as Associate Vice President for Art Experience. In this role, she will develop a strategic vision and work with senior leaders, patients, employees, and community volunteers to curate and maintain a contemporary art collection and commissioned installations. Selected works of art will be pieces that foster inspiration and hope.
Jennifer Finkel
Ms. Finkel remarked, “As an art historian and curator, I am constantly reminded of the profound impact that artwork can have on individuals. However, within the hospital setting, the experience of viewing art takes on a distinct emotional resonance. Research has shown that art can improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance the overall experience of a hospital visit, making it an invaluable resource for fostering healing and comfort.”
A 2023 report released by the Texas Cultural Trust noted the value of the arts in relation to health and well-being. Among other findings, the report showed that prescribed playlists can improve blood flow in a stroke patient’s brain, music therapy can decrease post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and attending one cultural event per month can reduce the risk of developing depression.
Ms. Finkel currently serves as the Acquavella Curator of Art Collections at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In this position, she oversees the development and display of the university’s collection. From 2005 to 2019, she was the curator of the art program at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, where she managed art acquisitions and more than 30 site-specific commissions. She will step into her role at MD Anderson on Monday, January 6, 2025.
2 comments
Very true. My friend was at times hospitalized for treatment of AML at MDAnderson. My friend always said that if the tulips she planted came up again in the spring, she would survive her cancer. She was delighted that in her room was a picture of a field of tulips. Unfortunately she was not able to have real tulips in the room. She did succumb to the cancer eventually but I know that the tulip images helped her.
Thank you for sharing this story, and condolences for the loss of your friend. Delight and beauty are so important, especially during sickness and difficulty. I’m so heartened to know that more medical spaces are allocating the funds to care for people’s emotional health as well as their physical health.