Purpose of Visual Art within the Novak Center for Children’s Health
The purpose of the visual art within the Novak Center for Children’s Health (Novak Center) is to promote an engaging, inviting and safe environment for patients and caregivers. The vision for the Arts in Healthcare Program is to promote health and healing by integrating art with patient care in order to foster a supportive, restorative and engaging environment for our patients, their families, and our health care community. This supports the Novak Center’s vision to provide an excellent, accessible, and coordinated care experience for children, young adults, and their families in a setting that integrates excellence in clinical service, medical education, research and medical innovation and artwork will be selected first and foremost for the patient in order to enhance their healthcare experience.
Content and Aesthetic Guidelines
Art not appropriate for the Novak Center collection includes:
Media Type
Work created in a variety of media will be considered as long as the media is not a source of allergens and will not break or decompose under normal environmental conditions (temperature, light, humidity).
Two-dimensional visual art of varying media including, but not limited to, original paintings, lithographs, photographs, collage, woodcuts, sculpture, drawings and posters will be considered. Three-dimensional visual art including, but not limited to, sculpture, folk arts and crafts will be considered, but will require unique locations and additional care.
Consideration of art for long-term use should use quality art materials that do not deteriorate quickly and that can be effectively maintained. Each piece will be assessed for durability and fragility prior to acceptance.
Artwork must be able to withstand cleaning and maintenance processes that are required and regulated standards for healthcare facilities to assure infection control including cleanability, maintenance and durability. Our professional staff will assist in ensuring that selected artwork meets clinical objectives and complies with state and federally mandated regulations, competencies, policies, procedures, and standards for patient safety and professionalism.
Safety is a primary consideration in the selection of art for the Novak Center for Children’s Health. Pieces that have sharp edges, points or projections that can cause injury, small parts that could be broken off, inappropriate frames or frames that are of substandard construction, and pieces that may impede walkways or corridors will not be considered.
Scope
Artwork may be included in the Novak Center’s public areas (lobbies, waiting rooms, primary corridors), clinical areas (patient exam and treatment rooms, consultation areas), other areas designated for patients or visitors, galleries and special exhibition areas including those items donated, purchased, or loaned.
Art Selection Committee
Acquisitions
The Art Selection Committee, in collaboration with the Art in Healthcare Manager, will view electronic images or color photos/reproductions of art recommended for installation to determine whether work meets the specifications for the Novak Center. Final approval may be based on viewing the actual artwork.