Arts for Life Anywhere
Did you know that you can now virtually access Arts For Life, the North Carolina-based nonprofit that brings creative programs to Mission Hospital’s young patients? Arts for Life Anywhere takes their unique programming online for children, teenagers and their families to enjoy wherever they are, whenever it’s needed. Providing online programs and resources has long been a goal for Arts For Life, but COVID-19 spurred the development and launch of Arts For Life Anywhere this past May.
Based on nearly 20 years of experience interacting with young people in the hospital, Arts For Life recognized the importance of connection for families in isolation. And with limitations on volunteers in hospitals across the country, they needed to create a new way to meet young patients. Arts For Life Anywhere offers recorded videos, project ideas, live art and music sessions, and boxes of quality art materials for kids and families, all free of charge.
While Arts For Life doesn’t have the ability to change why kids are in the hospital, the arts can transform their experience, inspiring courage and creativity, giving patients a way to transport themselves out of the hospital to a place free from pain and anxiety and filled with joy and resilience. Arts For Life’s cornerstone programs—Inpatient Bedside Studios and Waiting Room Art Tables—invite patients and families to explore the arts from within the hospital, putting art materials and musical instruments right into their hands. The success of these in-person programs was the inspiration for creating Arts For Life Anywhere.
Arts For Life now serves four children’s hospitals across North Carolina, including Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville. Last year, nearly 15,000 people participated in Arts For Life art and music programs.With Arts For Life Anywhere, they look forward to serving even more kids and families across the country.
Want to join in the fun? Enjoy any of the following creative ideas:
Sand Hill Artists Collective 