THE IDEA WAS BORN
The idea for this was born during Covid and the development of virtual interactions after the annual Doctors in Art Exhibition in Durban was cancelled and the main organiser, Dr Peter Breedt, died of Covid. Every year in September he would advertise to doctors and healthcare professionals to submit artworks (paintings, photographs, sculpting) for exhibition at one of the private hospitals. The items would be placed in the reception like a gallery and there would be an opening function with speeches et cetera, and the biography of each artist was placed next to the art. Sales of the items were conducted directly with the artist and a percentage went to a charity that was decided on by Dr Breedt. I would like to use the Durban model of Doctors in Art and move it to a new hybrid virtual and live forum and expand the name to make it more inclusive.
from left to right
Sabs Abdool-Gaffar,Pulmonologist, Netcare Kingsway Hospital.
Basil Stathoulis,Orthopaedic Surgeon, Netcare Kingsway Hospital.
Griffin Roberts,Manager, Vertice MedTech
MISSION AND PURPOSE OF THE ART OF HEALERS
The mission of The Art of Healers is to harness the transformative power of art as a profound expression of healing for healthcare professionals. We are dedicated to curating and facilitating hybrid exhibitions that bridge the physical and virtual realms, bringing together regional and thematic groups of healthcare workers to showcase their artistic talents.
Our purpose is twofold: to celebrate the creativity and resilience of healthcare workers and to foster a healing environment through artistic expression. We believe that art has the unique ability to uplift, inspire, and unify, and it serves as a powerful means for healthcare professionals to convey their experiences, emotions, and insights.
At The Art of Healers, we strive to:
- Provide a Platform for Expression: We offer healthcare professionals a dedicated space to channel their creative energies, allowing them to share their unique stories, perspectives, and emotions through art.
- Promote Healing and Well-Being: We recognize the therapeutic value of art and its capacity to alleviate stress, promote self-reflection, and contribute to the well-being of healthcare workers. By curating exhibitions that highlight the healing potential of art, we aim to support their physical and emotional health.
- Celebrate Diversity and Collaboration: Through regional and thematic exhibitions, we embrace the diversity of the healthcare community and foster collaboration among professionals with shared interests and experiences. These connections facilitate the exchange of ideas and insights.
- Extend Our Reach: By combining physical exhibitions at hospitals and venues with a dynamic virtual platform, we ensure that the healing power of art reaches a global audience. Our virtual exhibitions enable online visitors to engage with and purchase artwork, thereby supporting both artists and our charitable initiatives.
- Facilitate Charitable Initiatives: Proceeds from artwork sales and donations are channeled toward charitable initiatives that benefit healthcare worker student exhibitions, furthering our commitment to nurturing the creative and healing community.
The Art of Healers strives to be a beacon of light, bridging the gap between the demanding world of healthcare and the therapeutic realm of art. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of healthcare professionals through artistic expression, and we invite all to join us in celebrating the profound healing journey that art offers. Together, we create a harmonious blend of creativity, compassion, and wellness for those who dedicate their lives to the care of others.
