Art Fund Initiative, Creating Healing Spaces

We all know what it’s like to enter a truly beautiful space. It can be uplifting, inspirational, and even an emotional experience. When it comes to medical facilities, incorporating art into previously sterile environments enhances aesthetics and creates a more comforting space for patients, their families, and caregivers. Research shows that the visual environment can play a significant role in the healing process, measurably improving patient and caregiver stress levels, quality of care, and the reduction of treatment costs.

It is in this spirit that the foundation has launched the Art Fund initiative to support the art program at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital. The hospital will build a collection of art that is restorative, calming, and peaceful, and that promotes harmony of mind, body, and spirit. It will encompass imagery in varied mediums, styles, and themes throughout the facility.

Artwork by Katherine Magdalena Short of brown-skinned figures holding flowers and birds

Art is our one true global language. It knows no nation, it favors no race, and it acknowledges no class. It speaks to our need to reveal, heal, and transform.

Richard Kilmer
Artist and Educator

Caring, respect, collaboration, excellence, and community are critical to the MLKCH mission, vision, and values, and therefore vital to the Art Fund goals. The hospital will work to ensure the collection includes work from local, national, and international talent, and is respectful and reflective of the people of Los Angeles. Plans call for community inclusion to be enhanced by an audio tour presenting details about each piece, allowing community members to immerse themselves into the art experience.

Disney in the Lead

The Walt Disney Company, recognizing the importance of environment in the health, strength, and wellness of communities, has stepped forward to lead as the launch contributor to the Art Fund initiative. This partnership provides both for generous financial support and the involvement of Disney Imagineers who will work with the hospital’s art committee to incorporate art into the healing space.

Interior of hospital lobby

We are excited about harnessing the power of creativity to provide a sense of comfort and normalcy that can help and heal families in need, and we are truly honored to do so when it matters most.

Kevin Callahan
Vice President of Community and Engagement, Corporate Citizenship at Disney

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