Cleveland Clinic is poised to lead the way
At the 2009 Partners in Philanthropy Celebration in June, the president emeritus of the Society for the Arts in Healthcare described Cleveland Clinic as being “uniquely positioned” to become the leader in the area of healthcare and the arts.
Naj Wikoff went on to support his statement by citing Cleveland Clinic’s proximity to world-class arts organizations, its “great reputation for innovation and team spirit,” and the fact that its senior management values the arts.
Since its founding in 1921, Cleveland Clinic has included the arts in its healing environment, whether it was hanging art on the walls or encouraging musical expression by employees. The hospital bolstered its commitment a year ago by elevating the arts and medicine programs to institute level.
Art is for the Spirit at No. 3094292 © 1989 Jonathan Borofsky and Gemini G.E.L.
The Arts & Medicine Institute comprises art and music programs. For more information on music’s beneficial effects, see the “Prescribing Music” story in this issue or visit the Music Therapy website.
The Art Program, led by Executive Director and Curator Joanne Cohen, is responsible for selecting new acquisitions for Cleveland Clinic’s collection and acting in an advisory capacity to the Aesthetics Committee and the Office of Institutional Relations and Development (IRD) to assist with donations of artworks. Ms. Cohen’s team also provides services ranging from installation to inventory and upkeep of the collection throughout all Cleveland Clinic facilities. In addition, the Art Program curates and organizes exhibitions and related educational programming.
A new Cleveland Clinic Audio Art Tour, available in English, Spanish and Arabic, allows visitors to learn more about the art collection at their own pace. The tour includes an introduction and 35 “highlights” of intriguing artworks located in the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Pavilion, Glickman Tower, and M and G lobbies.
The audio tour was supported by a gift from the late Lauretta Dennis, DVM. It was produced by Acoustiguide in conjunction with the Art Program.
Ms. Cohen says Cleveland Clinic’s artwork is chosen based on certain criteria, including whether it lifts the human spirit; is innovative or employs innovative materials; and reflects an interest in the global nature of the world.
There are few paintings or sculptures in the collection because those types of works are difficult to protect in a hospital environment, she says.
Ms. Cohen’s department has a wish list of works it would like to obtain for the collection. For more information about any aspect of the Art Program, visit clevelandclinic.org/art, write to ccartprogram@ccf.org or call 216.448.0232. Questions about donating artwork can be directed to the Art Program or to Michael Dagon, IRD, at 216.445.8580.
To make a gift supporting the Arts & Medicine Institute or any area of Cleveland Clinic, visit iSupport, our secure online giving site, or call Institutional Relations and Development at 216.444.1245 or toll-free at 800.223.2273, ext. 41245.
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