Paintings in Hospitals aims to transform the UK's wellbeing by using world-class art to inspire better health for patients, carers, and communities.

Studies show that art can help us stay well, aid our recovery from illness and injury, and support us to live longer, more fulfilling lives. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience these benefits.

Our work is founded on Cultural Democracy: a democratic approach to arts and culture that actively engages everyone in determining what is classed as culture, where it happens, who makes it, and who accesses it. Paintings in Hospitals is committed to bringing art to everybody by providing artwork loans and art activities to all types of healthcare and social care.

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

World Health Organisation, 1948

We work in partnership with patients and carers to transform and humanise clinical environments using quality art from our collection. Through art activities and creative workshops, we empower patients and carers with the skills and voice to make their own decisions about art, their care environment and their care experience.

By working together in this way, and sharing our knowledge, Paintings in Hospitals can create public spaces that support wellbeing and enrich the lives of everyone.

Find out more about working together

• Paintings in Hospitals recognises that ‘connection’ and ‘collection’ are equally important. Read about our new objectives for 2021 and beyond
• Find out more about our approach to Cultural Democracy and our commitments to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion