The Art for Healing Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring the healing power of art to hospitals and health facilities, transforming public spaces and patient areas into inspiring environments for patients, their families, and healthcare providers. We spoke with Earl Pinchuk and Gary Blair, Founders, to learn more about what they do.
Describe your charity/non-profit in a few sentences.
The Art for Healing Foundation installs artwork in healthcare and wellness facilities to create more healing environments.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Enhancing sterile healthcare and wellness environments by installing artwork while providing a platform for artists to showcase their work to the public.
When did you start/join it?
The Foundation was launched in February 2002 by Earl Pinchuk & Gary Blair
What made you want to get involved?
In 2001, our goal was to open a contemporary art gallery. At the same time, we had an artist friend who was dying in a Montreal hospital and every time we would visit him we were struck by the drab and institutional feel of the space. While visiting the artists’ studios we were considering representing, we became aware that most artists produce far more work than they can necessarily sell. Not much art in hospitals + a surplus of art led us to believe that maybe there was a way to marry these two worlds together, benefitting everyone.
What was the situation like when you started?
With all the myriad priorities hospitals and wellness centers were dealing with, very little time was left over to focus on the visual element of their spaces.
How has it changed since?
With over 13,500 artworks installed in 90 healthcare institutions across Canada and in Paris, France, the foundation has been able to raise the bar of consciousness of many within healthcare and wellness. Once the art was installed, everyone realized its benefits; patients, visitors and healthcare professionals. Many of the residents in long-term care facilities, will die at these residences, so a comfortable and pleasant environment is important for their quality of life.
What more needs to be done?
More of the same. It has worked well these past 20 years.
How can our readers help?
They can propose artwork for donation or help financially. They can contact us at earlpinchuk@artforhealingfoundation.org or visit our website.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes. A portion of sales from an exhibit at “Galerie Z “Art Space” in early December will benefit the Art for Healing Foundation. The date of the vernissage is to be confirmed.
Where can we follow you?
Facebook | Instagram | Website
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