About the Inspire Arts Program

Inspire Arts is an arts enrichment program for the patients, visitors and staff of Hennepin County Medical Center. Sponsored by the Service League of HCMC, Inspire Arts seeks to promote a healing environment through art that helps reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with healthcare environments. A broad variety of artistic expressions such as music, visual arts, and performing arts are intended to improve morale, build hope, inspire creativity, and reflect the diversity of our community.

Inspire Arts presents rotating art exhibits in ee locations in the Medical Center, featuring both flat art work and smaller three-dimensional work. Our primary location for exhibits is the Skyway (Level 2) between the Red and Orange Buildings; we also display art in cases in the Purple Building Lobby and Blue Building Lower Level Lobby. In addition to the visual art exhibits, art can also be found throughout the Medical Center.

We continue to expand the Service League's 30- year-old collection of art by placing visual art in hallways, lobbies and patient rooms — contributing to the environment of care.     

Inspire Arts also embraces the healing quality of music, providing almost daily volunteer piano playing from noon to 1:00 p.m. in our Purple Lobby (weekdays), and music concerts

in Medical Center lobbies and inpatient units.

A number of recent studies have indicated that the arts have an impact on healing in individuals. One such study showed that patients who are exposed to art with nature themes used less pain medication and experienced shorter hospital stays than those without access to art. While more studies are needed, what we know for sure is that the arts contribute to the overall healing environment, softening the edges of what can be a very cold and stressful environment.

In an era of increased focus on patient satisfaction within healthcare organizations, the

arts are a valuable and unique tool in providing a setting in which patients and their

families feel welcome and comfortable.

How to Participate:

•  Share ideas and artist referrals with the Arts Program Coordinator  wenda.ballinger@hcmed.org

•  Volunteer for Inspire Arts through the Service League

•  Become a Service League member

•  Make a tax-deductible donation to the Service League that is designated for Inspire
   Arts programming.

•  Artists may apply to exhibit their work by mailing their resume, artist statement, and  slides (contact information below.)

Patient and Staff Reviews:

"I wished to write and congratulate you on your efforts to make HCMC a beautiful and more hospitable place. I am especially impressed by the series of art works that have been placed on display on the skyway level over the course of the past several months. Patients and families have also commented to me on their appreciation of these exhibits. Please accept my best regards on your efforts. It makes coming to work a pleasure, simply in order to see what exhibits are on display." — Staff Member

"Thank you for the beautiful art selections you provided to us last week. Not only are they beautiful, but they serve as a momentary getaway to peace and tranquility for all who have the pleasure to enjoy them. Suddenly, instead of walking down our dreary hallway we are taken in by the artistic beauty that surrounds us and we are compelled to "slow down" for even just a moment to enjoy our surroundings." —Staff Member

"Hi! I am a heart patient. I think you should do more of these [art exhibits]. Keep up the good work.May God bless you all." — Patient, comment card

"Absolutely wonderful art! I love that Hennepin County Medical Center is as diversified as it is. I'm very pleased." — Visitor, comment card

"I had a nice time playing piano today. A homeless guy sang with me, and a deaf lady requested "Silent Night" and beautifully signed along to the music." — Volunteer

"Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the development of your Inspire Arts program and thoroughly enjoyed the string quartet that played last week. It was exciting to see talented, enthusiastic young musicians perform." — Physician

Contact Information:

Wenda Lyons Ballinger Arts Program Coordinator Inspire Arts, c/o Service League of HCMC 701 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55415 (612) 873-2208 Service League Office (612) 873-2512 Green Building, Level 1