Who are we?
B.C. Artists in Healthcare is the first not-for-profit organization in B.C. to initiate volunteer-based sustainable and replicable ArtCare (arts in healthcare) programs in regional hospices, community and cancer care settings.
We are a Canadian Registered Charity. #86677 1207 RR0001
Since 2003, B.C. Artists in Healthcare Society has grown from a small group of five dedicated volunteers to a vibrant organization with 120+ members.
We provide volunteer training for ArtCare programs in 10 regional HOSPICES. We offer opportunities for palliative and cancer care patients to design and direct community-based ArtCare projects in Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam, B.C.
Every year we donate an average of 6,500 volunteer hours in our community and all our programs are free.
What do we do?
Hospice ArtCare provides a moment of fun and laughter at a time when it is least expected. By inviting patients, their families, visitors and their communities to share in a creative arts project, Hospice ArtCare programs provide a moment for the experience of illness and end-of-life concerns to shift, however briefly, into the background.
“When I came to hospice, I never expected that we would ever laugh again.”
-- ArtCare program participant, Crossroads Inlet Centre Hospice, January, 2005.
Community ArtCare projects invite community members of all ages to become involved in collaborative arts-in-healthcare projects inspired by patients.Everyone is welcome to participate in creative “hands-on” experiences at these public events.
"Eight years ago I went through chemo and radiation for breast cancer. That is the most upsetting ordeal that anyone can go through. Your mind never stops…the worry and fear is always there. To have an art program for people going through that kind of stress is essential for anyone’s mental health…adding some peace to a very troubled time.” -- Susan Flowerdew, October, 2004
B.C. Artists in Healthcare Society
1001-1415 Parkway Blvd Coquitlam, B.C. V3E 0C7
Office: 604 941 8091
Contact: lthiesse@sfu.ca