EnjoyArt is the arts programme at BWC, funded by Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity.
Our mission is to use the arts to enhance the hospital environment and experience for patients, families and staff.
“These activities are so important every time my child is in hospital. It really gives him energy and is something engaging and exciting.”
We work closely with artists and entertainers, who place creativity and fun at the heart of what they do. Specialising in music, magic, and visual arts, they lead regular workshops and bedside sessions suited to all abilities.
We deliver special events throughout the year, such as our Summer Arts Festival. We also deliver extra artist and costumed character visits. See more about our upcoming activities below.
“My daughter was in hospital and this activity let her do something fun and put a smile on her face.”
EnjoyArt work with talented artists and designers who co-create artworks in partnership with patients, families, carers and staff, transforming clinical spaces into calming environments.
Can you help bring the joy of art to sick kids?
EnjoyArt happens thanks to the generous donations to Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity. Mark Brider, CEO of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, said:
“We are extremely proud to support our Trust’s innovative EnjoyArt programme, which connects patients, families and staff to arts and creative projects to help enhance hospital experiences."
“There is overwhelming evidence arts can improve the wellbeing of patients and families by easing anxiety and stress, which in turn can reduce the length of a patient’s hospital stay."
“From championing local artists who create new and relaxing spaces to artistic performances and creative pursuits, EnjoyArt is funded entirely thanks to charitable donations."
Help us to continue to inspire, engage and entertain our patients, families and staff.
“Such a valuable service - very grateful on behalf of my daughter whose mood has been greatly lifted and a fun experience had at tough times during hospital stays.”
Why is art important for health?
Art plays a vital role in creating a healing environment and improving the well-being of patients, families and staff.
Key research has shown that:
- Art can reduce stress, anxiety, and pain by providing a sense of calm and comfort
- Hospital environments can feel sterile and scary. Art adds warmth and beauty, making spaces more inviting and less clinical
- Art can be a distraction from the challenges of illness and treatment
- Art can be used to celebrate diversity and reflect the cultural identity of the community
- Aesthetic spaces improve staff job satisfaction and morale, indirectly benefiting patient care
- Taking part in creative activities promotes mental and emotional healing.
“The music provides a positive experience for my child. It always calms him and even helps improve his heart rate and oxygen levels. As parents we always enjoy the music but also how interactive the staff are and always show compassion and care.”
Regular Arts Provision
Our current programme of regular arts and entertainment providers is:
- B’Opera - interactive musical experiences for babies, toddlers and their families.
- Giggle Doctors - combining music, play, magic and stories to bring joy and laughter to brave children in challenging times.
- Singing Medicine - songs and games designed to let every child participate and benefit from singing-play.
- Music Therapy Works – qualified Music Therapists providing enriching musical experiences to children on the palliative care pathway.
- POD – sowing the seeds of fun, magic and laughter through visits from magicians.
- Rhythm Time - using music to promote children’s early development emotionally, intellectually and physically.
- Apollo – live music in waiting rooms and corridors to reduce anxiety and pain, promote calm, and improve human connection.
Upcoming Projects
- Mindful making workshops for patients in antenatal care at BWH, delivered by Purple Hill Prints (August – September 2025).
- Cyanotype drop-in workshop for patients and families in radiology at BCH, delivered by Purple Hill Prints (September – November 2025).
- Visit from magician Angus Baskerville at BCH (16 September 2025).
- Play through poetry activities for National Poetry Day (TBC, October 2025).
ArtKart
The ArtKart is a trolley of arts and crafts materials that visits wards across BCH, providing a mixture of bedside and take-away arts and crafts activities.
The ArtKart is operated by EnjoyArt and corporate volunteers supported by Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital Charity.