Air Arts is the arts charity for the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust promoting health and wellbeing through the arts and arts participation. Air Arts is funded through charitable donations and Trusts and Foundations. Established in 2007, Air Arts is a wide ranging and ambitious arts in health programme, designed in partnership with staff and patients. The programme aims to create a calm, welcoming environment, distract from illness, improve wellbeing, aid recovery and enhance the hospital experience for 10,000 staff and 2 million patients and visitors every year.
A wide variety of art and cultural experiences are on offer, both receptive and participative, including; visual art, dance, drama, photography, poetry, storytelling, crafts and music throughout the corridors, waiting areas and wards. The Air Arts team work closely with staff and patients to ensure the programme is embedded into ward routines to support holistic healthcare. As well as group sessions, the artists work one to one with patients to provide personalised creative activities. The programme improves the hospital experience for patient and staff alike, reduces anxiety and provides a welcome distraction. Patients report increased levels of wellbeing and staff report an improved working environment.