Bridging Visual Arts and Healthcare: Impact, Innovation, Research
This symposium aims to build community between the visual arts and healthcare professions, educators, and artists. Through an exchange of methodologies and emerging research, participants will share unique curricula and learn about the emerging evidence to improve healthcare professionals’ skills and effectiveness as well as positively impact patient outcomes. Hosted by Brigham & Women's Hospital
Founded in 2022, the Visual Arts in Healthcare Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (VAH@BWH) is dedicated to integrating visual arts into healthcare education. VAH@BWH’s mission is to introduce visual arts-based learning experiences that encourage empathy, collaboration, and innovation among healthcare professionals, with the goal of improving patient care. The program supports the development of important skills, including careful observation, interpretation, active listening, metacognitive awareness, critical thinking, compassion, and effective communication to help healthcare teams connect with patients and colleagues.
This year, VAH@BWH will host an international symposium, Bridging Visual Arts & Healthcare: Impact, Innovation, Research in Boston from September 23-25, 2026 (Wednesday – Friday). The symposium aims to bring together visual artists, healthcare professionals, educators, and researchers to share research and methodologies. Participants will present curricula, exchange ideas, and discuss evidence that may help strengthen the skills and effectiveness of healthcare professionals and improve patient outcomes.
Highlights of the Symposium include inspiring keynote speeches from Dr. Daisy Fancourt and Dr. Vivek Murthy. Attendees will enjoy lively panel discussions, hands-on museum sessions, a vibrant poster reception, and unique networking opportunities designed to spark collaboration and build lasting connections within this passionate community.