Resources for Artists Interested in Selling to The Healthcare Art Market

Based on many research studies healthcare experts agree that positive art has a healing impact on patients and art in healthcare is a big industry that is growing rapidly. As our life span increases the medical field is expanding to a wide variety of venues that need art — from hospitals to outpatient clinics. This rings a call for you as an artist to consider selling your art in this field. In this article I share some resources for artists interested in the healthcare art market. They will help you broaden your possibilities to excel in selling.

Just think about the many opportunities for your art. Venues that are integrating art into their overall design — general hospitals, senior residences, acute care hospitals, surgery centers, medical office buildings, physicians’ offices, rehabilitation centers, military hospitals, to name a few.

Experts who have been conducting extensive research over decades have concluded there are definite kinds of art, subject matter, colors and the like, proven to have the most positive benefits. If you are an artist who is interested in catering to this market it is important for you to know about these resources and visit their websites to learn more.

Many Art Consultants in This Field

Seek and connect with experienced art consultants in the healthcare art field in your region. They bring their special expertise to enhance the hallways, waiting areas, and patient rooms to foster peace of mind and enhance patient well-being and promote healing. Their range of services often include exhibitions, installations and public art commissions in hospitals and other healthcare and hospitality facilities. Their activities often expand beyond the hospital walls and into the surrounding community.

Quick Tip from Barbara Markoff, Art Consultant in the Healthcare Art Industry

“I advise artists to think about producing artwork that is characteristic of their specific community. I have found that healthcare art decision makers are seeking local imagery whether it be site specific sculptures or nature photography.”

Find Leads in American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers

An important resource for you is the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers. A leading membership organization of Certified Healthcare Interior Designers, these members are considered to be qualified “to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of patients, residents, and staff in hospitals, clinics, and residential care facilities.”

Henry Domke – Photographer – Successful Role Model!

Henry Domke creates exquisite, awe-inspiring nature art for hospitals. He is one of the most successful artists in this market niche. He states, “Much of my art is based on the native plants and animals that I find in ‘my backyard.’ I’ve also found inspiration farther afield in coastal landscapes, mountainous terrains, desert scenes, and seashells.”

In 2003 he started Henry Domke Fine Art, when “I saw a need for better and more appropriate art for hospitals and medical facilities.” Interestingly, Domke had been a family practice physician and was also studying at the University of Missouri-Columbia’s graduate program in Fine Art. He has become a renowned artist and expert in the field of art in healthcare.

On his website you’ll find his extraordinary healing art, installations, and many articles on the topic.

The Center for Health Design – Expand Your Knowledge!

This organization, The Center for Health Design, started in 1993 as a team of advanced thinkers with an idea of creating healthcare facilities to promote healthier environments for patients as well as the staff. Since that time their vision has become a movement. The organization “advances best practices and empowers healthcare leaders with quality research that demonstrates the value of design to improve health outcomes, patient experience of care, and provider/staff satisfaction and performance. Through design research, education, and advocacy, we’re leading the way in transforming hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, doctor’s offices, and residential care facilities for a safer, healthier tomorrow.”

Artists Collaboration Children’s Hospital

If you want to get super motivated, read “15 Artists Collaborate To Make London Children’s Hospital Cozier For Kids”. A project spearheaded by Vital Arts, U.K. transformed the interior of London Royal Children’s Hospital with the help of 15 artists. The colorful photos that depict the artful design are amazing. From taking on the respiratory ward to the elevator lobbies and the short stay unit, and more, the artists succeeded in replacing the cold, sterile and antiseptic feeling we find in most hospitals. This hospital is now a fun, vibrant and exciting place.

LinkedIn Supplies Leads

LinkedIn is a professional to professional type of social media platform with individual connections and groups. Simply go to linkedin.com and search “Healthcare Fine Art” and find professionals in this field. If you are on this platform join groups to learn and connect.  For example, “Healthcare Fine Art” is a group on LinkedIn and a wonderful resource to connect you with professions. It has more than 1,000 members comprised of Interior Designers, Art Consultants, Architects, Hospital and Clinic Staff, Framers & Installers, and Artists. Join the group and connect with these professionals.

U.K. Gallery Rental Supports Art in Hospitals – Inspirational Program!

The Menier Gallery in the U.K. hosts a full program of exhibitions & events. The Menier Gallery is managed by the registered charity Paintings in Hospitals. In order to fund the efforts of Paintings in Hospitals, the gallery rents its space out for events and exhibitions. All money raised from renting the gallery for exhibitions and events supports the charity. Paintings in Hospitals states: “We do more than simply put paintings in hospitals. We strongly believe that art has an important role to play in the healing process. Our research is contributing to the growing body of evidence that art improves wellbeing, and we are continually evaluating the impact and reach of our work.”

Read “Selling Art in the Healthcare Art Market”

Read “Consider Your Art for The Growing Healthcare Market:”