Baycrest

16 • BrainMatters • Spring/Summer 2023 ART AT BAYCREST: At Baycrest, art is an important part of fostering the creative potential of patients and residents to improve physical and emotional health, increase feelings of confidence and self-esteem, enrich relationships, and strengthen morale, including those individuals with significant cognitive impairment. Baycrest is committed to ensuring that we sustain our Jewish heritage while supporting an inclusive community of care that acknowledges the culturally diverse needs of all our non-Jewish clients, families, staff and volunteers through art and programs and services designed to enrich lives. A UNIQUE ART COLLECTION IN HEALTHCARE The Department of Culture & Arts at Baycrest supports a holistic vision of health and well-being that embraces spirituality, innovation and the arts. Baycrest is home to an incredible endowment of fine art, sculpture and mixed media arts. In fact, the collection comprises over 8,600 pieces and features renowned artists such as Picasso, Warhol, Bush and Etrog. Along our main corridors, hospital wings, resident rooms, staff offices, cafeterias, meeting areas, ceremonial spaces, daycare centres and gardens — art is everywhere. Meghan Richardson, Arts Project Coordinator, seated in the Kalifer Culture Hub and surrounded by pieces from the Baycrest art collection. Baycrest uses art as valuable environmental support for wayfinding and to foster a sense of identity and attachment. Meghan Richardson, Arts Project Coordinator at Baycrest, embraces a holistic vision of spirituality, innovation and the arts. She also plays a critical role in caring for and telling stories about Baycrest's art collection. When she is not curating exhibits in the Ronald and Nancy Kalifer Culture Hub where she can engage with patrons to expand the Baycrest art collection from their generous donations, she works in an office among a treasure trove of fine art to organize programs that enhance the quality of life for our residents and patients. One such program, called From the Vaults, allows clients to view a selection of artwork found deep within Baycrest's vaults, where they listen to stimulating music and engage in lively discussions about the pieces. "Having an art collection in healthcare is both unique and an impactful way to care for others on campus," she says. "It provides an opportunity to stimulate conversation and a way to connect with others therapeutically." Helping Guide and Promote Psychological Health and Well-Being It provides an opportunity to stimulate conversation and a way to connect with others therapeutically. Meghan Richardson, Arts Project Coordinator at Baycrest

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