The artful hospital: Stephen Legari of Montreal speaks about the place of art therapy in the hospital setting. From the interview:

“Are there any resistance by the clinicians in embracing these art therapy activities?”

“I’m very much interested in resistance. Our medical systems are founded on hierarchy. One of the most difficult things is to flatten the hierarchy. Participating in the arts for clinicians and physicians may feel undesirable as it somehow shows the vulnerable parts, the fragility of a person, as well together with the stronge parts: however, with art one can be moved by what is seen and created and feel heard. Therefore, in a hierarchical world, one does not want to expose the fragile humanity of the very self.”

Personally, I think that the best leaders were and are those able to show also their human face, able to understand the others and to encompass his/her own fragility.” – Legari continues. – “I see that the engagement with art and healing as a developmental process. We work with groups of medical students brought to the Museum to stay in contact with art: we selected some “oeuvres” that we use to show sickness in all its nuances and explore empathy. These pre-med students react in a wonderful way.”…

“Now that we have understood the background which was a catalyst to the experiment of prescription, could you tell us a little more about this extraordinary project?”

“As far as I know, all of the physicians are family physicians who prescribe this visit to the museum verify the presence of motivation by the patient, that this person could take advantage of this prescription. The prescription is for one, for a couple or for a family all together. It is nice when all the family system comes to the museum, I am a family therapist also, and I think that the achieving of wellbeing is much faster when the whole family is engaged.  They will have the possibility to increase the sense of wellbeing, the opportunity to have positive emotions. Neurologically, we hope this will have a positive impact on the activity of the amygdala and that some degree of emotional regulation will be enjoyed. The museum prescription can take different froms: from a tour with a guided visit, to an independent visit, to an art therapeutic referral.