Tonic Arts

Enhancing environments and enriching experiences.

Tonic Arts is NHS Lothian Charity’s vibrant, award-winning programme that creatively enhances 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.

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. 

Craig Easton taking a picture of Linda at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Watch our video to find out more about how we use art and creativity to enhance health and wellbeing

Scottish Opera's Community Chorus perform Oedipus Rex at the National Museum of Scotland as part of the Edinburgh International Festival

22 August, 2024

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 […]

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A Portrait of East Lothian © Simon Crofts & Sylwia Kowalczyk, photo by cro+kow

28 June, 2024

NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts wins gold in prestigio…

NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts Programme took home gold at the Scottish Design Awards for their holistic and pioneering art and environment strategy at East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington.

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The London Symphony Orchestra in the NHS Project from Edinburgh International Festival. Photo – Mihaela Bodlovic

24 May, 2024

NHS Lothian Charity and Edinburgh International Festiv…

NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts and Edinburgh International Festival are delighted to announce the continuation of their exciting partnership, bringing the magic of live music directly to patients and staff across NHS Lothian hospitals.

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Speech and Language Therapy room at East Lothian Community Hospital

8 May, 2024

Charity Collaboration Transforms Children and Young Pe…

The latest project has created bright, stimulating Speech and Language Therapy rooms to support children and young people on their communication journey.

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Our Work

tiled Corridor © Frances Priest - Tonic Commissions

Tonic Commissions

We support and manage arts, design and selected Greenspace commissioning programmes, developed with patient and staff engagement and collaboration.
Tonic Collections

Tonic Collection

The Art Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors with over 2,500 artworks displayed across over 30 NHS Lothian sites.
Saudade © Katherina Axemo, exhibited as part of the Leaves exhibition

Tonic Exhibitions

We curate temporary exhibitions at seven gallery spaces across five NHS Lothian hospital sites, showcasing a dynamic and diverse range of artworks including patient and staff work alongside professional and commissioned work.
Engagement

Tonic Participation

Our Participation Programme brings the transformative power of the arts to patients, caregivers and staff in healthcare settings across NHS Lothian, inspiring individuals and helping them to connect and communicate to improve wellbeing.