The London Arts in Health Forum (LAHF) is a London-based network of health and arts professionals. As the field of arts in health has become more diverse and more widely appreciated, the need for a cultural network to offer a voice and representation for practitioners has become of greater importance, writes Hugh Steward. At the same time, LAHF has increasingly become a source of information and access for external bodies wanting to know more about arts in health activities in London.
LAHF is the successor to the Forum for Art in Hospitals. Established in 1991 by the King?s Fund, the Forum was a charitable foundation with the general aim of improving health, especially in London. Its original goal was to provide regular opportunities for people involved in art in hospitals (doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, artists, therapists and volunteers) to share their experiences and ideas. Despite name changes and a broadening of the organisation?s membership and activities, this goal has remained remarkably consistent. More than ten years after its initial meetings, LAHF is still a vibrant association of artists and healthcare professionals offering regular events that inform, provoke and educate ? helping members keep abreast of all that is happening in the field in London.
The Forum?s initial focus on the visual arts has expanded to include all artforms (from poetry and storytelling to dance, theatre, music and film). However, the essential remit remains the same: the sharing of expertise, experience, information and ideas - face to face, on paper and online.
LAHF?s primary activity is hosting quarterly events aimed at encouraging best practice in the field and stimulating new ideas. These take place in a range of healthcare settings, in both the public and the private sector. Venues have included hospitals, healthy living centres and mental-health projects. The purpose of the meetings is to share information about new and established arts in health initiatives in London. The format of meetings varies according to the venue and subject matter but has included talks, debates, performances, readings, exhibitions, screenings, tours and other participatory activities.
The networking aspect of these quarterly events is the one constant, giving members the chance to catch up informally on colleagues? news, meet new members and guests, and share ideas. In a field such as art in health, with partners and collaborators from diverse backgrounds, this sharing is invaluable. It is this literal networking that enables LAHF to fulfil its dual purpose of both representing the views and interests of members and also feeding information back to them. In this endeavour, LAHF is joined by other regional networks of arts in health practitioners from around the country and by the National Network for Arts in Health.
With a clear purpose ? one that is based on a genuine need ? cultural networks like LAHF can fulfil a valuable role for arts and health professionals in the capital. As other organisations have developed in the field, we have been joined by fellow professionals keen to expand the horizons of a burgeoning area. Cultural networks across the whole field of arts in health have made a demonstrable impact on the practice, value and standing of the arts in healthcare among the wider artistic community, health professionals and the public.
Hugh Steward is Director of Patient Support and Environment with Newham Healthcare NHS Trust and Chair of the London Arts in Health Forum. t: 0845 602 0825;
e: info@lahf.com; w: http://www.lahf.com