From the report's Executive Summary:
"The first Consortium project sought to map and measure the current level of engagement, support and investment by WA hospitals in Arts and Health activities in order to better understand the extent to which the arts are contributing to the delivery of health services in Western Australian (WA) hospitals and to the health and wellbeing of patients, their families, visitors and staff.
There is a significant, global body of work on Arts and Health. This report draws on that evidence as well as the National Arts and Health Framework to develop a local approach for the West Australian context. In particular, this report aims to assist hospitals and arts organisations with future strategies to engage more effectively with each other in developing Arts and Health practice in WA consistent with the National Framework."
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"It is gratifying to see the level of Arts and Health activity currently undertaken in hospital sites throughout the state. However it is of significant concern that most activity is project based without any underpinning policy and strategic framework. This places into question the continuing development of Arts and Health practice and the attendant health benefits.
In order for Western Australia to deliver on the National Arts and Health Framework, it will be necessary to have consistent leadership and policy support to facilitate the development of local, regional and statewide communities of practice that can leverage existing expertise through new partnerships and move all Western Australian hospitals along the continuum of Arts and Health practice. There is a complementary role for the Arts and Health Consortium to facilitate and advocate for programs that will assist hospitals to develop such partnerships and projects."
