When Art and Health Unite: HeARTcare Symposium Sparks Collective Action

The first HeARTcare Symposium at OAG explored how enhanced access to arts can promote health and well-being in Canada

This past November 2024, the Ottawa Art Gallery and Radical Connections hosted HeARTcare: A Symposium for Bridging Healthcare and Culture, bringing together over 150 professionals from the arts and health sectors. The event focused on strengthening resources, identifying gaps, and fostering collaboration to advance arts-based health initiatives in the community.

“When Dr. Carol Wiebe and I first discussed the possibility of a gathering of folks at the intersection between art and health, I don’t think we realized the magnitude of interest from artists, cultural workers, researchers, and health providers to share data, best practices and to develop frameworks to work together. Many of us believe that art, in all its forms, connects us to our humanity and is a pathway to health and wellness, and now we have the data to support that belief and to guide a local, regional, and national strategy.”

– Alexandra Badzak, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Art Gallery

“The HeARTcare Symposium was an amazing demonstration of what can happen when leaders from the arts and health sectors get together! HeARTcare grew out of the shared mission of both the Ottawa Art Gallery and Radical Connections – to make our communities stronger and healthier with the arts. The stories, excitement, and evidence we heard at the Symposium were both affirming and motivating. So many wonderful initiatives are already happening, and so much more is possible with this community working together.”

– Dr. Carol Wiebe, Executive Director, Radical Connections

The HeARTcare Symposium was an immersive, hands-on event that sparked meaningful dialogue, best practices, and co-development of frameworks. It featured artist-led workshops, a thought-provoking panel, keynote insights from Dr. Daisy Fancourt on the intersection of art and health, and rapid-fire presentations, including Jeff Thomas’ artist talk. The event also included a film screening, exhibition, and collaborative workshops, culminating in new partnerships and strategies.

Dr. Daisy Fancourt, Director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health and co-author of a seminal report on the evidence base for arts and health interventions, delivered a keynote presentation that underscored the transformative role of arts in health. Drawing on her extensive research, she highlighted two key points: the dual role of the arts in both prevention and treatment and the systemic levels that shape access to arts-based health interventions. Dr. Fancourt’s complete presentation is available for reference here.

The Symposium provided a strong foundation for a roadmap, with steps for progress including the establishment of a national steering committee, engagement with policymakers and funders, and a national strategy for arts and care integration. Public awareness will also be elevated to build momentum over the next three years.

The HeARTcare Symposium was a powerful demonstration of the impact that occurs when leaders from the arts and health sectors come together. It left attendees with fresh insights and renewed energy to drive change, fostering new connections and inspiring action across these fields. Follow the OAG on social media for more exciting announcements about upcoming art and health initiatives.

HeARTcare was presented thanks to the generous support of the Northstar Foundation.

_{Source: Workshop Report: Ottawa Art Gallery / Radical Connections  HeARTcare Symposium, prepared by Stephanie Nadeau // November 2024, Third-Angle.ca}

_{Photos: Lindsay Ralph and Amity Bradbury}