Visitors to the Forth Valley Royal Hospital atrium recently had the chance to take part in free, drop-in creative activities hosted by Artlink Central and Art in Healthcare.
Staff (including medical students), patients, and family members joined in a playful watercolour postcard-making workshop, inspired by the exhibition themes Taking me Outside, Inside; Creative Pathways; and In Good Company. The session was not only a chance to try something new but also to share feedback on the wider arts programme and explore how creativity can benefit wellbeing.
The activities linked to Taking me Outside, Inside – an exhibition celebrating Art in Healthcare’s programme Taking Art Home. This initiative brought artwork and creative workshops online to people living with long Covid and other long-term health conditions that make it difficult to leave home.
More than 60 people across Scotland took part from their own homes, exploring landscapes and everyday objects through the lens of different artists. Participants spoke of the joy of discovering creativity and comments included:-
- “It made me look at everyday objects and scenes with a new perspective.”
- “I never thought I could do that.”
- “I’m more of an artist than I thought I was.”
For many, the project was also about connection, with one participant noting the value of being “in good company” alongside others with shared experiences.
The exhibition was curated by Soizig Carey and supported by Creative Scotland, Artlink Central and NHS Forth Valley. More details can be found online.
