Welcome to   Arts In Medicine

 

The expressive arts inspire and influence us in all areas of our lives. On this website you will discover how people with cancer have participated in Arts in Medicine Programs across Canada, embracing life and healing through the self-empowering act of creativity. In these workshops, cancer patients as well as caregivers, family members, health care professionals and volunteers have discovered what artists have known for centuries: the creative process is liberating to the body, and uplifting to the mind and spirit.

 

I am particularly delighted that professional artists are invited to teach these Arts in Medicine programs. I applaud their willingness to share their professional expertise with individuals from all walks of life who are faced with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Karen Kain, Chair, Canada Council for the Arts

Artistic Director, National Ballet of Canada

The Process of Healing                     

Whether we participate in art as a viewer, as a reader or as a creator, the experience of creative expression provides an opportunity for gaining insight into our own unique human journey.  

The process of healing the whole person is as individual as the process of creativity. Such healing includes the very best in medical care and treatment, as well as particular attention to emotional and spiritual well-being. This kind of healing can sometimes be found through the support of family and friends in a time of personal crisis. It is, however, something each one of us can find within ourselves, through our own personal experience with creative expression.

 

We hope this website inspires you to find creative resources for your own personal healing journey.

Cancer is No Hobby

Some people may get the impression that what we have done here is make crafts. Believe me, I haven't passed through the doors of this Cancer Centre to learn a new hobby.

 

The creative component in this supportive group took me on a personal journey of growth and discovery. I discovered abilities and talents that I never knew existed. I tapped into inner resources and strengths I didn't know I had. Don't confuse craftwork with cancer. Cancer is no hobby.

Today, because of programs like Arts in Medicine, I am able to face cancer with a divine acceptance that keeps me marching on and makes me more fully alive than before. 
 

Carole - Arts in medicine participant 

 

 

Since our counter was installed on

August 14, 2006, you are visitor # 
   

 

Cancer and the ART of Healing was funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the Donna Cipin Memorial Fund.

 

 

Please Note:

The material on this website is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or care from a physician, psychologist or other health care professional. The Alberta Cancer Board, and the authors of the publication Cancer & the Art of Healing, expressly disclaim liability for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or inconsistencies contained herein or any actions taken on the basis of information contained in the publication, or on this website. 

We must emphasize that in the Arts in Medicine programs represented here, a psychologist, social worker or art therapist works with an artist-instructor to guide each class. Chartered psychologists and clinical social workers are available to the public through cancer treatment centres in most communities to help support personal healing.