Tonic Arts
Enhancing environments and enriching experiences.
Tonic Arts is NHS Lothian Charity’s vibrant, award-winning arts in health programme, creatively enhancing the patient, staff and visitor experience at NHS Lothian.
Working in partnership with staff and patients, we deliver a diverse arts programme of events, workshops, exhibitions and site-specific art commissions that help improve staff and patient health and wellbeing across the NHS Lothian community.
Watch our video to find out more about how we use art and creativity to enhance health and wellbeing
Latest news
Encore! NHS Festival Sessions Return for 2025 Bringing…
Our 2025 NHS Festival Sessions will once again bring the magic of world-class musical performances directly to patients, families, staff, and volunteers across NHS Lothian hospitals.
Creatively Minded and Visual Arts Project at Royal Edi…
This prestigious Design in Mental Health Award recognises the significant contribution of art to enhancing the hospital environment and promoting wellbeing.
NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts Purchase Prize Winner …
We are delighted to announce the winner of this year’s Tonic Arts Purchase Prize, awarded at the prestigious Royal Scottish […]
NHS Lothian Staff Join Scottish Opera for Triumphant P…
NHS Lothian staff members have earned rave reviews for their participation in Scottish Opera’s recent production of Oedipus Rex at […]
What’s on
Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh: An Art Exhibition by Julia Murden
Explore Julia Murden’s Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh exhibition at The Western General Hospital, featuring art inspired by mindful walking […]
Positive Health: Green Health and Tonic Arts Network Gathering 2025
Our 2025 Network Gathering is a platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and advancing positive health initiatives using creativity and nature.
Tonic Arts Network Event
Join us for our next online network event to discover more about our Havens participatory project, other staff wellbeing projects and how to develop them.
Handle with Care
In partnership with Edinburgh Printmakers, we are proud to present ‘Handle with Care’; an exhibition which explores the meaning and […]
Spotlight on: Havens
NHS Lothian Charity’s programmes, Tonic Arts and Green Health, in partnership with Stills Gallery, are proud to present ‘Havens’ – a series of portraits and stories documenting NHS Lothian staff members’ work-life experiences.
Our Work
Tonic Commissions
Tonic Collection
Tonic Exhibitions
Tonic Participation
Get ready for more musical magic! Following a fantastic 2024, we are thrilled to announce the return of our NHS Festival Sessions for 2025, in partnership with @edintfest.
Our 2024 `Festival Fridays` were a huge hit, delivering 24 uplifting performances to over 1,500 patients, families, staff, and volunteers across 5 NHS Lothian hospitals. From classical to festive tunes, these sessions brought joy and respite, earning 5-star reviews from attendees!
We were delighted to hear feedback like "best hospital visit ever!" and to have the support of Nicola Benedetti, Edinburgh International Festival Director, who highlighted the power of music in places outside of theatres to bring communities together to be thrilled, challenged and discover something new.
Featuring incredible artists from top orchestras and innovative groups, the NHS Festival Sessions truly showcase the power of music in healthcare settings.
We can`t wait to bring the joy of these musical performances back to hospitals in 2025 – with the first performance taking place at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital on 9th April! Follow the link in our bio to visit our Tonic Arts website for more information.
Get ready for more musical magic! Following a fantastic 2024, we are thrilled to announce the return of our NHS Festival Sessions for 2025, in partnership with @edintfest.
Our 2024 `Festival Fridays` were a huge hit, delivering 24 uplifting performances to over 1,500 patients, families, staff, and volunteers across 5 NHS Lothian hospitals. From classical to festive tunes, these sessions brought joy and respite, earning 5-star reviews from attendees!
We were delighted to hear feedback like "best hospital visit ever!" and to have the support of Nicola Benedetti, Edinburgh International Festival Director, who highlighted the power of music in places outside of theatres to bring communities together to be thrilled, challenged and discover something new.
Featuring incredible artists from top orchestras and innovative groups, the NHS Festival Sessions truly showcase the power of music in healthcare settings.
We can`t wait to bring the joy of these musical performances back to hospitals in 2025 – with the first performance taking place at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital on 9th April! Follow the link in our bio to visit our Tonic Arts website for more information.
We recently celebrated the Royal Edinburgh Hospital receiving the Green Flag Award for the fourth year running! This recognition highlights the incredible work done by the teams on site to maintain the beautiful outdoor spaces that provide a peaceful retreat for healing and wellbeing for patients, staff, and the community.
We recently celebrated the Royal Edinburgh Hospital receiving the Green Flag Award for the fourth year running! This recognition highlights the incredible work done by the teams on site to maintain the beautiful outdoor spaces that provide a peaceful retreat for healing and wellbeing for patients, staff, and the community.
// New exhibition at the Western General //
We’re excited to feature the work of artist and author Julia Murden, creator of Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh. Julia’s art and book invite you to explore peaceful green spaces and experience the calming benefits of mindful walking. 🌳🚶♀️
Her inspiring journey spans design, teaching, and a deep love for nature. Julia believes walking mindfully can refresh both body and mind. 🌸💚
Visit our Tonic Gallery at the Western General Hospital and let her art inspire you to take a moment to connect with nature! 💫
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of ‘Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh’ please email: loth.arts@nhs.scot
@wghconnect #JuliaMurden #TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #TonicExhibitions #NHSCharity #artsinhealth #MindfulWalking
// New exhibition at the Western General //
We’re excited to feature the work of artist and author Julia Murden, creator of Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh. Julia’s art and book invite you to explore peaceful green spaces and experience the calming benefits of mindful walking. 🌳🚶♀️
Her inspiring journey spans design, teaching, and a deep love for nature. Julia believes walking mindfully can refresh both body and mind. 🌸💚
Visit our Tonic Gallery at the Western General Hospital and let her art inspire you to take a moment to connect with nature! 💫
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of ‘Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh’ please email: loth.arts@nhs.scot
@wghconnect #JuliaMurden #TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #TonicExhibitions #NHSCharity #artsinhealth #MindfulWalking
Take a break and step into nature with Lou, our Nature Rehabilitation Ranger! If you`re based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, why not join us for a regular lunchtime walk designed to boost your health, wellbeing, and vitamin D levels. 🌞
Whether you`re looking to unwind, disconnect, or just enjoy some fresh air, there’s always something new to discover in nature!
📅 Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 12:30 PM (30-45 minute walks)
📍 Meet at the Bio Quarter sign outside the Chancellor`s Building (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh)
📝 We’ll stick to paved areas with a fun detour into the undergrowth!
Need extra support to participate? Just let Lou know. 🌳
Take a break and step into nature with Lou, our Nature Rehabilitation Ranger! If you`re based at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, why not join us for a regular lunchtime walk designed to boost your health, wellbeing, and vitamin D levels. 🌞
Whether you`re looking to unwind, disconnect, or just enjoy some fresh air, there’s always something new to discover in nature!
📅 Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 12:30 PM (30-45 minute walks)
📍 Meet at the Bio Quarter sign outside the Chancellor`s Building (Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh)
📝 We’ll stick to paved areas with a fun detour into the undergrowth!
Need extra support to participate? Just let Lou know. 🌳
🎉 We’re so excited to announce that our Creatively Minded and Visual Arts project at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital has been shortlisted for a @design_in_mental_health Award! Working with the hugely talented, @natashanumbernine, we have used the buildings as creative canvases to enhance outdoor areas around the hospital. Natasha worked with patients to create fantastic artwork linked to plants, nature, insects and birds and then brought them to life as two beautiful nature-inspired murals. This is more than just adding some colour to the hospital grounds, it is also about creating an environment that lifts spirits and aids in the journey to recovery.
One patient commented: “As you are going to hospital you see the beautiful images, it gives you hope and encouragement.”
#TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #natasharussell #VisualArts #OutdoorMurals #HospitalArt #NatureInspiredArt #artsinhealth
🎉 We’re so excited to announce that our Creatively Minded and Visual Arts project at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital has been shortlisted for a @design_in_mental_health Award! Working with the hugely talented, @natashanumbernine, we have used the buildings as creative canvases to enhance outdoor areas around the hospital. Natasha worked with patients to create fantastic artwork linked to plants, nature, insects and birds and then brought them to life as two beautiful nature-inspired murals. This is more than just adding some colour to the hospital grounds, it is also about creating an environment that lifts spirits and aids in the journey to recovery.
One patient commented: “As you are going to hospital you see the beautiful images, it gives you hope and encouragement.”
#TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #natasharussell #VisualArts #OutdoorMurals #HospitalArt #NatureInspiredArt #artsinhealth
🎨 Unleash your inner artist and give your brain a break with weekly `Art Drops` in collaboration with @genarts2! 🎨
Talented artists will be visiting sites across @nhs_lothian with a fantastic selection of creative resources, materials, and activities for you to doodle, sketch, or create. It`s your time to step away for a moment and pause, recharge and relax. Choose from structured activities, explore self-led experiments or just stop by for a look and a chat.
📍Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Main Mall: Wednesdays 2nd April - 7th May, 2-4pm
📍Western General Hospital
Wellbeing Wing: Wednesday 2nd April, 2-4pm
Café, Ann Ferguson Building: Wednesdays 9th April - 7th May, 2-4pm
📍St John’s Hospital, Livingston
NHS Lothian Charity Hub: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6th May – 22nd May, 11am-1pm
#TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #ArtDrops #GenArts
🎨 Unleash your inner artist and give your brain a break with weekly `Art Drops` in collaboration with @genarts2! 🎨
Talented artists will be visiting sites across @nhs_lothian with a fantastic selection of creative resources, materials, and activities for you to doodle, sketch, or create. It`s your time to step away for a moment and pause, recharge and relax. Choose from structured activities, explore self-led experiments or just stop by for a look and a chat.
📍Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Main Mall: Wednesdays 2nd April - 7th May, 2-4pm
📍Western General Hospital
Wellbeing Wing: Wednesday 2nd April, 2-4pm
Café, Ann Ferguson Building: Wednesdays 9th April - 7th May, 2-4pm
📍St John’s Hospital, Livingston
NHS Lothian Charity Hub: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6th May – 22nd May, 11am-1pm
#TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #ArtDrops #GenArts
We`re thrilled to announce our Tonic Arts Purchase Prize winner from the Royal Scottish Academy`s New Contemporaries 2025 exhibition! Showcasing Scotland`s best emerging talent, this year`s exhibition features 63 artists and architects selected from the 2024 degree shows. 🥁
We`re delighted to have purchased five captivating works from Tallulah Batley`s "Pink Parlour Prints Series"! These stunning pieces celebrate the portrayals of women found in National Galleries of Scotland’s collection and are beautifully developed from her Edinburgh College of Art Graduate Show installation.
🎨 Tallulah`s work will be joining our Tonic Collection of over 2500 artworks, which brings cheer and distraction to patients, staff, and visitors across over 30 @nhs_lothian sites.
💬 In her own words, Tallulah shared: “I am so delighted to have received this award, and that these artworks will be displayed in local hospitals. I`m especially glad that the works will stay in Edinburgh, as the majority of the portraits that I used as references for my work were taken from the National Gallery’s collection, so they are celebrating the historic artistic culture of the city. These works developed from my love of highly decorated objects and decor, bright patterns and colours, and the joy and energy that I feel when looking at beautiful things. I hope that having these works displayed in local hospitals will help to bring the same joy and pleasure that I was inspired by to the patients, visitors, and staff, in what can often be a stressful, trying experience.”
We`re so excited to welcome Tallulah`s vibrant and thoughtful work to the Tonic Collection!
@royal_scottish_academy @tbat.ley @nationalgalleriesscot
Image Credits:
Artist: Tallulah Batley, RSA New Contemporaries
Photographer: Julie Howden
#TonicCollection #TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #RSANewContemporaries #PinkParlourPrints #EmergingArtists
We`re thrilled to announce our Tonic Arts Purchase Prize winner from the Royal Scottish Academy`s New Contemporaries 2025 exhibition! Showcasing Scotland`s best emerging talent, this year`s exhibition features 63 artists and architects selected from the 2024 degree shows. 🥁
We`re delighted to have purchased five captivating works from Tallulah Batley`s "Pink Parlour Prints Series"! These stunning pieces celebrate the portrayals of women found in National Galleries of Scotland’s collection and are beautifully developed from her Edinburgh College of Art Graduate Show installation.
🎨 Tallulah`s work will be joining our Tonic Collection of over 2500 artworks, which brings cheer and distraction to patients, staff, and visitors across over 30 @nhs_lothian sites.
💬 In her own words, Tallulah shared: “I am so delighted to have received this award, and that these artworks will be displayed in local hospitals. I`m especially glad that the works will stay in Edinburgh, as the majority of the portraits that I used as references for my work were taken from the National Gallery’s collection, so they are celebrating the historic artistic culture of the city. These works developed from my love of highly decorated objects and decor, bright patterns and colours, and the joy and energy that I feel when looking at beautiful things. I hope that having these works displayed in local hospitals will help to bring the same joy and pleasure that I was inspired by to the patients, visitors, and staff, in what can often be a stressful, trying experience.”
We`re so excited to welcome Tallulah`s vibrant and thoughtful work to the Tonic Collection!
@royal_scottish_academy @tbat.ley @nationalgalleriesscot
Image Credits:
Artist: Tallulah Batley, RSA New Contemporaries
Photographer: Julie Howden
#TonicCollection #TonicArts #adoseofcreativity #RSANewContemporaries #PinkParlourPrints #EmergingArtists
Sunshine and good vibes at our Green Health Network Event!
We had such a beautiful day for our latest Green Health event! The discussion and presentations were insightful, and our in-person attendees then had the pleasure of a walking tour around Astley Ainslie by Aisling, our Nature Rehabilitation Ranger, followed by a refreshing outdoor lunch. A wonderful reminder of the positive impact of connecting with nature and each other.
#LothianGreenHealth #Network #NatureConnection #HealthAndWellbeing #AstleyAinslie #ConnectWithNature
Sunshine and good vibes at our Green Health Network Event!
We had such a beautiful day for our latest Green Health event! The discussion and presentations were insightful, and our in-person attendees then had the pleasure of a walking tour around Astley Ainslie by Aisling, our Nature Rehabilitation Ranger, followed by a refreshing outdoor lunch. A wonderful reminder of the positive impact of connecting with nature and each other.
#LothianGreenHealth #Network #NatureConnection #HealthAndWellbeing #AstleyAinslie #ConnectWithNature