Artwork top of page – Artist: Gavin Lynch, “California”, 2019, oil and acrylic on canvas, 48″ x 72″ (cropped image)
Introducing the RVH Zine!
At RVH, we wholeheartedly appreciate and respect the important and powerful role art can play in healing – for patients and staff alike. When the idea of an RVH Zine came up, it was an obvious choice. The benefits to staff of creating, expressing, and sharing amongst each other are boundless.
The RVH Zine is an inclusive forum for staff self-expression and dialogue allowing Team RVH to share their personal creativity and lived experience. It’s our hope and wish that providing an outlet such as this will deepen the connection to ourselves and others, which is the goal at the core of art and healing.
Why Art in Hospitals?
Working with artists, collectors, institutions and the cultural community, RVH promotes interaction and connection with art to support holistic health.
Our patient-centred philosophy is the focus of everything we do, including our desire to enrich, inspire and enliven our patients, visitors, employees and community through the display of original artwork throughout our facility and grounds. Our art collection shows a commitment to supporting the national and local arts communities. The emphasis on contemporary art cultivates an environment of creative excellence, encourages dialogue and challenges viewers to experience diverse points of view.
Did you Know?
Ongoing research has shown that having art in health care settings can provide the following benefits:
- Supports patients in their physical, mental and emotional recovery
- Relieves anxiety and decreases the perception of pain
- Lowers blood pressure
- Makes the health centre environment more welcoming
- Connects the health centre to its community
- Provides a welcome distraction for patients, staff, families and volunteers
- Motivates patients to get out of bed and be active within the hospital
The Art Team
Art@RVH Art Committee:
RVH is fortunate to have a committee of dedicated members including staff, patient advisors and arts professionals. The primary role of the Art Committee is to oversee the Art@RVH program including the review of all artwork acquisitions, donations and loans. The Art Committee supports activities that use art to enhance the quality of life at RVH.
Located at the end of the RVH’s Main Lobby (follow the blue line and enter the large hallway), the gallery is a space dedicated to rotating art exhibitions bringing together works of art from the permanent collection or on loan from artists, collectors, art groups, students or other institutions.
Each exhibition is on display for approximately four months and, alongside the permanent collection, is a testimony to our commitment in supporting national and regional artists and local arts communities.
As with the artwork that is displayed throughout the health centre, these exhibitions encourage the need to slow down and be more present and reflective, important strategies for healthier lives.
RVH’s art collection includes donations and loans of original pieces by professionally recognized artists of local and national significance focusing on subject matter that dignifies life and promotes healing, both physical and emotional. RVH recognizes and values the therapeutic effects of art experiences.
With an emphasis on contemporary art, the RVH Art Collection includes over 600 artworks and is comprised of pieces by Canadian artists in a variety of media. It is displayed publicly throughout the health centre to provide patients, staff, volunteers and families with inspiration, comfort and distraction and enhances the healing experience.
The following guidelines have been established to ensure that the pieces chosen for display support the vision of an enhanced environment for everyone who spends time at RVH.
A clear emphasis is placed on original artwork of high quality, artistic merit, significance and variety that is diverse, inclusive and sensitive to the setting and needs of the RVH culture and the community it serves.
Acceptance Criteria
- Only original artwork will be accepted;
- A focus on contemporary Canadian artwork by well established artists who work regularly in their mediums or less established artists who distinguish themselves through artistic merit;
- Artwork that is unique in conception and well executed;
- Has perspective, originality, integrity and staying power as an object;
- Has a voice or a distinct style to distinguish itself;
- Adds value to the RVH collection and vision and is in good condition.
Items Not Accepted
In general, the following items do not meet the criteria for acceptance:
- Artwork with plaques already installed in the framing;
- Non-numbered original artist prints and editioned works;
- Reproductions or poster prints, poetry and inspirational messaging and hand-made crafts;
- Artwork containing images which may offend, including cultural misrepresentation or stereotyping or any adult-oriented content or imagery;
- Artwork that is materially fragile or in poor condition;
- Artwork containing religious images will not be accepted.
Potential donors will be asked to submit an image and description of the artwork being offered. Donations will be pre-screened by the Curator, and if determined to be appropriate, will be reviewed by the RVH Art Committee for approval. (Link to Art Donation Form)
If the artwork is accepted, donors are required to sign a formal Deed of Gift transferring legal ownership to RVH. Donors are entitled to receive a charitable tax receipt for the appraised value of approved artwork by obtaining an independent appraisal from a member of the Canadian Art Dealers Association at the donor’s expense.
For inquiries on the donation process or to make an offer of artwork to RVH please contact: art@rvh.on.ca