LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky’s Arts in HealthCare Program recently purchased art from ArtHouse Kentucky, a nonprofit retail art gallery run by Art Inc. Kentucky and Community Ventures. The goal of the program is to put artwork in clinical environments.
“We’re using the arts as one component of the broader approach that includes things like music therapy, art therapy, which are done through a separate program, but we all work together to kind of treat that whole person,” said Jason Akhtarekajvari.
Some of Mame ‘Aesha’ Ndao’s baskets were among those that were in that recent purchase. She is from Senegal, a country in West Africa. It is a tradition for young girls to learn how to weave baskets, which are used for cooking and storing harvested vegetables.
Over 20 years ago, she moved to Louisville to go to college and later started a business, but six years ago, she started a different type of business.
“I was like, ‘You know what? These baskets will do well here,’” said Ndao. “‘Cause this is a part of me sharing my culture to the U.S. and with the proceeds I’m able to give back to my community.”
Those proceeds have gone toward getting school supplies and medical equipment to her village in Senegal. With Ndao’s baskets being sold to be displayed in spaces where people may be struggling with health issues, she’s helping others through basket-making in more ways than one.
“I know for them just to incorporate our work for, like, into the health system, try to help, it’s just like very comforting ‘cause, like, you be like, ‘O.K. my work is just, you know, touching somebody else in different ways,’ so it’s very touching and very satisfying,” said Ndao.
Surgical offices with visual art displayed on its walls were found to reduce patient anxiety, according to a study by the World Health Organization.
It not only helps people in those environments but also supports the artists whose work is purchased for the program.
Art Inc. Kentucky’s president Mark Johnson says that the partnership with UK supports his nonprofit’s mission to help artists build their businesses, sell their artwork, and get exposure.
“To have your artwork exhibited in their collection is a huge honor so our artists are extremely appreciative of that opportunity,” said Johnson.
Another goal of the program is to purchase art from diverse artists to have artwork displayed that connects with the diverse patients that are admitted into UK’s health care facilities.
According to Akhtarekajvari, doctor offices in more rural areas of the Commonwealth are following the university’s lead with incorporating art into their spaces.