The MetroHealth System Visual Art Program

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The MetroHealth System

visual art program


"Constructing a New World" by Jacob Dahlgren, image from vitalarts.org.uk (front and back cover) Bridget Riley’s mural at St. Mary’s in London image from theguardian.com (current page)


Art in medicine is critical as it offers an opportunity for us receive what we all need - to connect as human beings. No matter what, we all need a connection and someone to care about us. Art reminds us of our humanity.

– Dr. Akram Boutros, President and Chief Executive Officer, The MetroHealth System


"Hanging Out Again" by Cornelia Baltes, image from vitalarts.org.uk (top) “Big Dipper� by Joby Williamson, image from vitalarts.org.uk (bottom)


table of contents 1

introduction

8

process

11

feelings the artwork should inspire

12

artwork tone

15

purpose statement

17

themes

18

hope

19

healing

20

community

22

policies

24

art selection guidelines

26

integration - new facilities

32

integration - existing facilities

38

donation policy

40

framing and hardware recommendations maintenance

42


"Herbal Medley" by Tord Boontje, image from vitalarts.org.uk


introduction


introduction The MetroHealth System’s President and CEO Dr. Akram Boutros has stated that medicine alone doesn’t heal and that arts are a part of the healing process; contending that to provide care, you must have art. This is a bold statement that is exemplified in how MetroHealth operates. A healthcare system in which staff meetings are introduced with dancing to the tune of Pharrell’s “Happy” song, MetroHealth understands that while art supports healing, it also supports so much more – such as morale, creating a sense of unity, quality of experience and a shared humanity. For all people, sick or healthy, there is a universal need for connection – which arts can build. MetroHealth is undertaking a major transformation of its main West 25th Street campus and expanding and improving neighborhood facilities. The transformation aims to promote community engagement, inclusion and diversity and create a healing environment that supports a positive patient, employee and family experience. The inclusion of a well-managed Arts in Medicine program helps to deliver on these goals.

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metrohealth visual art plan

installation in the dental ward of the Royal London Hospital by Stephen Smith of Neasden Control Centre. image from creativereview.co.uk


introduction

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introduction Art can connect a space with its surrounding community and engage a diverse audience. A successful Arts in Medicine program creates environments and experiences that benefit the patients, families, caregivers and overall public health. MetroHealth realizes visual, performing and therapeutic arts can promote healing, wellness and engagement among patients, families, caregivers and the community. For the purposes of this initiative, MetroHealth has focused its attention to visual arts, but recognizes that there are other opportunities to integrate the arts through additional programs.

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detail of temporary installation at the Cleveland Public Library's Eastman Reading Garden by AndrĂŠa Keys Connell. image by LAND studio

introduction

5


"The World Seen" by Fiona Curran, image from vitalarts.org.uk


process


process A component of MetroHealth’s Arts in Medicine program, the visual arts program underwent a process that developed both the broader visioning and strategy for the program as well as the policies and processes that would support the vision. Using the strategies outlined below, MetroHealth built a mission and vision that directly reflects the character, qualities and aspirations of the heath care system.

precedent programs As a basis to the development of a unique visual arts program, MetroHealth examined existing arts programs within other health care systems, hotels, schools and public spaces. Paying particular attention to themes, message, mood, design and experience, MetroHealth gained perspective on values for its own health care system and important criterion for its burgeoning visual arts program.

interviews It was important to MetroHealth that different perspectives, departments and ideals inform the development of its visual arts program. To that end, staff including the President and Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, 8

metrohealth visual art plan


Image sources:"Hanging Out Again" by Cornelia Baltes, image from vitalarts.org.uk, (top) “Big Dipper� by Joby Williamson, image fromby vitalarts.org.uk, Cleveland downtown and neighborhood images LAND studio (bottom)

process

9


process Vice President of Ambulatory Operations and Integration and Senior Vice President of Campus Transformation were asked for their feedback related to art program goals, audience, branding, procurement, design, funding and more.

survey In an effort to more wholly engage health care staff and stakeholders, surveys were also administered to the health care system’s Arts in Medicine Advisory Committee, who responded to questions related to arts program goals and the feelings it should inspire. Committee members, including internal stakeholders, external stakeholders, employees, community members and arts experts, offered numerous words (see p.11) to suggest what emotions the art program should aspire to generate among health care system patients, visitors and staff. Repeatedly, words related to community, joy, hope, calm and peace were suggested. Additionally, survey participants suggested that the artwork should present both a sense of familiarity and exposure to new things, encouraging the program to mindfully balance both of those experiences.

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committee feedback

FEELINGS THE ARTWORK SHOULD INSPIRE:

Community

Joy

Hope

A welcoming atmosphere Understanding Flow Wellness Happiness Diversity

Trust

Discussion

Empathy

Inspiration Creativity

Peace

Optimism

Caring

Harmony

Warmth

Healing

Calm

Escape

Positive

Strength

Comfort

Natural world Compassion

left page images: details from artwork selected for MetroHealth’s Westlake Campus. artists, from top to bottom: Brittany Graham (photograph), Ali Forbes (watercolor), Liz Maugans (mixed media)

Relief Love Justice Serenity

process

11


process (continued) It was also recommended that the artwork serve as a reflection of the viewer as well as the community, creating spaces for both individual reflection and togetherness. To that end, future art curation should be guided in great part by the space in which it will live, as different spaces will require different types of works or works that support a certain feeling or set of feelings (see p.13). For example, while a private exam room should help to foster a sense of calm or familiarity for a patient or doctor, members of the health care system community who are waiting in a lobby or working in a public space might enjoy more stimulating or fun artwork that enlivens the waiting area, hallway or cafeteria.

committee feedback Findings that arose from precedent programs, interviews and surveys were next discussed with the MetroHealth Aesthetics Committee, who distilled the information into ideals that would frame a purpose statement, core themes and policies related to acquisition and maintenance. The ensuing document details these components of the visual arts program.

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committee feedback

ARTWORK TONE:

Caring Relaxation

Familiar

Heali Calming Not sterile

PRIVATE SPACE


Community

Empathetic Hope

Comforting

ing

Unique Fun

Joy Stimulating

Warm

Confident

Inviting

PUBLIC SPACE

process 13


"Animals!" by Chris Haughton, image from vitalarts.org.uk


purpose statement The MetroHealth System’s visual art program will inspire a transformative experience for every person who engages with the health care system. It will embody MetroHealth’s global diversity and local focus and inspire a sense of hope, healing and community.


"Imaginary Menagerie" by Miller Goodman, image from vitalarts.org.uk


themes


hope MetroHealth patients, visitors and employees will encounter artwork throughout the facilities. Regardless of a person’s relation to MetroHealth, hope is an important part of the atmosphere. Patients and their visitors may hope for recovery, for new life, for peace and calm. Employees also hope for these things for patients and may hope for themselves that they continue to provide excellent care in whatever role they serve the healthcare system. Hope can mean a variety of things to different individuals. Artworks can feel uplifting, positive, optimistic, dreamlike, aspirational and promising. Content can be bright and playful, engaging patients, visitors and employees to consider the possibilities of their lives outside of their stay with MetroHealth.

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healing A theme particularly relevant to patients, art can be a refuge from intense emotions that can accompany illness. Especially in health care settings, where patients are away from home and their personal support network – sometimes for extended periods art is essential to creating an environment that is welcoming, interesting and positive. Medicine is only part of the healing process; art is another vital component. In application, healing is a theme that can be manifested in a variety of ways. Like hope, it can be found in relaxation and stepping outside of one’s immediate surroundings to contemplate other worlds and situations. Healing can come from interaction and engagement. Thus, artworks centered on healing can range from subdued and calm to interactive and fun, symbolizing rejuvenation, growth and energy.

medaesthetics.

wordpress.com images: (top left) LAND studio, (middle left) image from domusweb.it, (bottom left) image from oonaculley.com, (top right) image from nnbj.com, (middle right) image from blog.chrishaughton.com, (bottom right) Catherine Opie's photographs at the Cleveland Clinic. photo by Neil Lantzy, image from pbs.org/art21

themes 19


community As the county health care system, MetroHealth is invested in Cuyahoga County and the communities surrounding its locations. MetroHealth strives to be seen as welcoming to all and as an integrated piece of the community fabric. As a component of this involvement in the community, art should reflect the locale. Artwork should reflect the communities surrounding neighborhood MetroHealth facilities, emphasizing what makes them distinct. While artwork embodying this theme can literally reflect Cuyahoga County locations, it’s more critical that artwork showcases the essence or spirit of the region. Local artists are well equipped to highlight these unique features as their perspectives often focus on overlooked subjects. Artwork can also create a sense of community by offering an opportunity for us to connect as human beings. International, national, regional and local artists can create new and different environments where visitors can experience joy and wonder together. A variety of subject matters and mediums can be used to remind us of our own humanity and connect us to each other.

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images by LAND studio



"Land-escapes", digital prints by Shahzia Sikander, image from vitalarts.org.uk


policies


art selection guidelines The artwork itself should adhere to the following parameters. More specific criteria may be included as appropriate for individual facilities.

theme and content •

The artwork adheres to an existing art theme and/or broader art program goals.

The artwork is engaging, uplifting and visually appealing.

No artwork should have religious themes, portray violence or contain elements that could be portrayed or used as a weapon.

The artwork should not be perceived as confusing, scary or inappropriate.

quality and value •

The artist has an existing or emerging body of work that illustrates their aptitude as an artist.

The acceptance of the art would add value to the collection that would not otherwise be possible.

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care and maintenance •

There must be funding to frame and/or display artwork properly.

•

Consideration should be given to determine whether a piece needs restoration work that would be cost prohibitive.

images: (top left) art for sale for Vital Arts by Jochen Klein with image from vitalarts.org.uk, (middle left) commission by Donna Wilson with image from donnawilson.com, (bottom left) "Piece 8" commission by Sophie Smallhorn with image from vitalarts.org.uk, (top right) commission by Bob And Roberta Smith with image from vitalarts.org.uk, (middle right) art for sale for Vital Arts by Blaise Drummond with image from vitalarts.org.uk, (bottom right), image from"Beyond the White Cube: Art and Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic" article via arthopper.org

process 25


integration - new facilities An emphasis should be placed on commissioned site-specific artworks in new facilities. However, MetroHealth recognizes that there may be instances in which existing artwork is more appropriate for a variety of reasons. In either situation, effort should be made to select artists in advance of final construction so as to give ample time and opportunity for meaningful and effective integration and artwork design and/or selection. The following is the process by which artwork shall be commissioned and/or selected for new facilities:

1. MetroHealth’s Chief Experience Officer and Director of Arts in Medicine provide the new facility’s details to the visual art team, such as location contact, site plans and themes or special instructions to ensure integration into the facility.

2.

Along with the Chief Experience Officer, the Director of Arts in Medicine, and the Senior Vice President of Campus Transformation, the visual art team meets with the appropriate facility members, such as architects, interior designers and

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temporary installation by Lothar Gotz, image from vitalarts.org.uk


construction managers, to identify both spaces for artwork and whether or not commissioned or existing artwork will be used.

3.

As appropriate, The Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine assemble stakeholders for a preliminary meeting to discuss goals and parameters for forthcoming commission/curation.

4.

The visual art team, with direction and feedback from The Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine, proposes artwork(s) and/or artist(s) for site.

5. Methods for commissioning artwork

a. Open competition - the least restrictive type of call for artists, typically open to all interested artists

b. Limited competition - a moderately restrictive call for artists that may require, for example, that artists be from a specific geographic area or work in a certain medium

c. Invitational competition - selecting several artists, based on their skills or interests, to submit proposals

process 27


d. Direct selection - purchasing an artwork or selecting an artist without a competitive process, typically due to constraints related to timeline or skills.

6.

Existing artwork

a. The visual art team curates an art collection, presenting it in document format that provides details on themes, artwork locations, wall sizes, artists, media and budget estimate.

b. The Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine review the document and provide preliminary feedback to consultants.

c. The visual art team responds to feedback.

7.

The Chief Experience Officer, the Director of Arts in Medicine, stakeholders, and the visual art team convene for a presentation of the commissioned design(s) and/or curated collection. General feedback is solicited from stakeholders and should focus on: a. The collection’s quality, including commissioned designs and existing artwork, as a complete group

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local artist Ali Forbes work in progress, image by LAND studio


rather than specific pieces, understanding that not all individuals will respond identically to the same artwork. b. The collection’s adherence to the defined themes – both overarching and location specific – as well as the restrictions stated in “Selection of Art”.

8.

In the event that changes need to be made, the artist refines their concept and/ or the visual art team responds to changes for existing artwork. Revised concepts and/or documents are then submitted for review to the Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine.

9.

The Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine will review changes and give final approval or continue the revision process.

10. Upon final approval, the visual art team coordinates with the Chief Experience Officer, the Director of Arts in Medicine, and, if applicable, the artist to schedule an installation date.

11. Upon completion of project, the visual art team provides a final itemized expense sheet for the project. process 29


integration - existing facilities For instances in which an existing facility requires the curation of an art collection, artwork should be as integrated as possible – responding to the facility’s environment and needs. Where appropriate, commissioned artwork should be used. Upon the identification of a facility, the process by which artwork is selected shall be the following:

1. MetroHealth’s Chief Experience Officer and Director of Arts in Medicine forward location details to the visual art team, such as location contact, site plans and themes or special instructions.

2.

The visual art team schedules a site visit at which they identify where commissioned pieces versus existing artwork will be used.

3.

As appropriate, the Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine assemble stakeholders for a preliminary meeting to discuss goals and parameters for forthcoming commission/curation.

4.

The visual art team, with direction and feedback from the Chief Experience

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installation in parking garage in Detroit. image by LAND studio


Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine, proposes artwork(s) and/or artist(s) for site.

5. The Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine schedule a stakeholder meeting for review of collection.

6.

Methods for commissioning artwork a. Open competition - the least restrictive type of call for artists, typically open to all interested artists

b. Limited competition - a moderately restrictive call for artists that may require, for example, that artists be from a specific geographic area or work in a certain medium

c. Invitational competition - selecting several artists, based on their skills or interests, to submit proposals

d. Direct selection - purchasing an artwork or selecting an artist without a competitive process,

typically due to constraints related to timeline or skills.

process 31


7.

Existing artwork

a. The visual art team curates an art collection, presenting it in document format that provides details on themes, artwork locations, wall sizes, artists, media and budget estimate.

b. The Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine review the document and provide preliminary feedback to consultants.

c. The visual art team responds to feedback.

8.

The Chief Experience Officer, the Director of Arts in Medicine, stakeholders, and the visual art team convene for a presentation of the commissioned design(s) and/or curated collection. General feedback is solicited from stakeholders and should focus on: a. The collection’s quality, including commissioned designs and existing artwork, as a complete group rather than specific pieces, understanding that not all individuals will respond identically to the same artwork.

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Cleveland neighborhood images by LAND studio


b. The collection’s adherence to the defined themes – both overarching and location specific – as well as the restrictions stated in “Selection of Art”.

9.

In the event that changes need to be made, the artist refines their concept and/ or the consultants respond by selecting new artwork. Revised concepts and/or documents are then submitted for review to the Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine.

10. The Chief Experience Officer and the Director of Arts in Medicine will review changes and give final approval or continue the revision process.

11. Upon final approval, the visual art team coordinates with the Chief Experience Officer, the Director of Arts in Medicine, and, if applicable, the artist to schedule an installation date.

12. Upon completion of project, the visual art team provides a final itemized expense sheet for the project.

process 33


donation policy Proposals for donating artwork are carefully reviewed by the Arts in Medicine Department. These are the guidelines considered:

theme and content •

No artwork should have religious themes, portray or contain elements that could be seen or used as a weapon.

The artwork adheres to an existing art theme and/or broader art program goals.

The artwork is engaging, uplifting and visually appealing.

The artwork should not be perceived as confusing, scary or inappropriate.

quality and value •

The artist has an existing or emerging body of work that illustrates their aptitude as an artist.

The acceptance of the art would add value to the collection that would not otherwise be possible.

If artwork is a reproduction, it is high quality and archival.

care and maintenance •

Adequate funding should be available to frame and/or display the piece properly.

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commissioned work for Barts Hospital in London. images from vitalarts.org.uk


•

Arwork that needs cost prohibitive restoration will not be accepted.

•

MetroHealth must have an appropriate space within a MetroHealth facility to display or store the artwork.

requirements Displays and artwork must be safe and appropriate for a health care environment (secure hardware, durable, cleanable). There should be little or no maintenance required. Displays and artwork must meet all state and federal building, fire, safety and ADA requirements including a maximum 4" depth on wall-mounted displays. All donated art and frames must be in excellent condition and ready to display. All framed artwork must use acrylic, not glass. Donors relinquish all rights to donated work once the donation has been made and MetroHealth cannot guarantee that all donated art will be displayed. Donated art could be subject to future removal or relocation or MetroHeatlh could choose to sell the work and use the funds to support the Arts in Medicine program. Anyone looking to donate artwork must send in completed Visual Art Donation Submission Form along with high-resolution images of the artwork to the The MetroHealth Foundation. See the Office of Patience Experience website for details. process 35


framing and hardware recommendations The following guidelines are to be used as the default framing and hardware requirements. Specific facilities may require additional requirements that should be prioritized. Displays and artwork must be safe and appropriate for a health care environment. Little or no maintenance should be required of framed, hung artworks. Displays and artwork must meet all state and federal building, fire, safety, and ADA requirements including a maximum 4" depth on wallmounted displays. MetroHealth’s standard frame should be used whenever possible to reduce framing costs and ensure cohesion throughout the collection. Artworks should be strongly fastened to an appropriate surface. Framed pieces hung on a wall should not be easily dislodged. Anti-theft mounting hardware is encouraged when funds are available, both to prevent theft and also to stabilize and protect the artworks from falls and misalignment. Mounting hardware should be adequately rated for the weight of framed pieces.

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installation by local artist Lauren Herzak-Bauman. image from laurenhb.com


Frames and mounting hardware should be made of durable, high quality materials and be reasonably expected to last through decades of use. Material should not be susceptible to cracking or overly fragile. Solid metal frames are preferable, though high-quality plastic or synthetic resin components may be considered. No wooden frames shall be used, in order to maximize durability and protect the frame from absorbing humidity, moisture or cleaning product. Artwork in frames should be adequately protected by the frame’s structure and acrylic plane to prevent intentional or unintentional direct contact with the framed piece. Frames and the acrylic plane should be easily cleanable with a lightly damp cloth. All framed artwork must use acrylic, not glass, in order to discourage breakage or shattering.

process 37


maintenance policy The maintenance of MetroHealth’s art collection is vital to ensuring that the collection remains high quality – both physically and as an asset. Dedicating resources to maintenance will add value to the investment MetroHealth has made and will continue to make in the future. To that end, MetroHealth should allocate between 1 and 5% of art budgets for each facility toward a dedicated maintenance fund, to be used for the restoration of artwork the repair and replacement of frames and hardware, temperature and humidity controlled storage of artwork not in use, annual inventorying of the collection, and bi-annual appraisal of collection.

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Cleveland neighborhood image by LAND studio

process 39


This plan produced by LAND studio on behalf of the Office of Patient Experience in Dec. 2015.


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