The role of the curator in modern hospitals: a transcontinental perspective

Abstract

This paper explores the role of the curator in hospitals. The arts play a significantrole in every society; however, recent studies indicate a neglect of the aesthetic environment ofhealthcare. This international study explores the complex role of the curator in modernhospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten arts specialists in hospitalsacross five countries and three continents for a qualitative, phenomenological study. Fivethemes arose from the data: (1) Patient involvement and influence on the arts programme inhospital (2) Understanding the role of the curator in hospital (3) Influences on arts programmingin hospital (4) Types of arts programmes (5) Limitations to effective curation in hospital.Recommendations arising from the research included recognition of the specialised role of thecurator in hospitals; building positive links with clinical staff to effect positive hospital artsprogrammes and increasing formal involvement of patients in arts planning in hospital.Hospital curation can be a vibrant arena for arts development, and the role of the hospitalcurator is a ground-breaking specialist role that can bring benefits to hospital life. The role ofcurator in hospital deserves to be supported and developed by both the arts and health sectors.