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

Charlie Gorman, musician and guitarist, playing guitar

26 August, 2025

Hivestock Festival brings music, sunshine and smiles t…

The grounds of Royal Edinburgh Hospital came alive at the end of August with music and celebration as annual outdoor festival, Hivestock, returned once again

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27 June, 2025

Nicola Benedetti brings festival experience to patient…

We were delighted to welcome Nicola Benedetti, Director of the Edinburgh International Festival and world-renowned violinist, to the Royal Infirmary […]

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Music in Hospitals and Care musician Charlie Gorman performing at the Hive, Royal Edinburgh Hospital

14 May, 2025

Music jams help to improve mental health and wellbeing…

Music jams bring the healing power of live music to the Royal Edinburgh hospital during Mental Health Awareness Week.

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Group of patients sitting in chairs dancing with Dance Base Instructor.

11 April, 2025

Healing Through Dance: Gentle Movement Classes Boost W…

In a heartwarming collaboration between Dance Base and NHS Lothian Charity: Tonic Arts, patients at East Lothian Community Hospital are […]

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What’s on

Photographs of the pictures from the Mindful Walks in West Edinburgh event by Julia Murden.

2 April, 2025 – 24 September, 2025 / Tonic Gallery 1, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU

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 […]

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Joint Tonic Arts and Green Health Network Event

13 May, 2025 / Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Road Edinburgh EH16 4UX

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.

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As part of the Edinburgh International Festival, the London Symphony Orchestra play at a Hospital in the Lothians. Image © to Mihaela Bodlovic

9 April, 2025 – 10 September, 2025 / Hospitals across NHS Lothian

NHS Festival Sessions

We’re thrilled to be continuing our exciting partnership with Edinburgh International Festival, bringing world class artists to perform for patients and staff across NHS Lothian.

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Joint Tonic Arts and Green Health Network Event

10 June, 2025 / Online

Tonic Arts Network: Using Art and Design to Transform Healthcare Spaces

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.

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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. 

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

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.
🎶 Join the Scottish Opera & NHS Lothian Chorus this winter! Sing opera, classical & popular music. No experience needed—just have fun! 
Find out more via the link in our bio! 
*NHS Lothian Staff only!  #Chorus #Singing #TonicArts

🎶 Join the Scottish Opera & NHS Lothian Chorus this winter! Sing opera, classical & popular music. No experience needed—just have fun!
Find out more via the link in our bio!
*NHS Lothian Staff only! #Chorus #Singing #TonicArts
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Do you have a place for the TCS London Marathon or for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? 🏃‍♀️
Then why not let us be your cheerleaders and choose to run for our charity! 
Let us know via the link in our bio or send us a message to tell us about your place!

Do you have a place for the TCS London Marathon or for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival? 🏃‍♀️
Then why not let us be your cheerleaders and choose to run for our charity!
Let us know via the link in our bio or send us a message to tell us about your place!
...

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763 lives changed by brain surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh last year.

Every single one of those patients put their trust in the incredible neurosurgery team who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes.

For many, brain surgery is one of the scariest moments of their lives. But thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, surgeons now have access to cutting-edge Brainlab software, making surgeries safer and more precise.

This software was funded by donations to NHS Lothian Charity just one of the many life-changing projects made possible by your support.

Every year, hundreds of projects across NHS Lothian are powered by donations to us from innovative equipment and ground-breaking research to creating calm, comfy spaces for patients and staff.

Donate now via the link in our bio! 

#NHScharity #BrainSurgery #donatenow

763 lives changed by brain surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh last year.

Every single one of those patients put their trust in the incredible neurosurgery team who work tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes.

For many, brain surgery is one of the scariest moments of their lives. But thanks to the generosity of our amazing donors, surgeons now have access to cutting-edge Brainlab software, making surgeries safer and more precise.

This software was funded by donations to NHS Lothian Charity just one of the many life-changing projects made possible by your support.

Every year, hundreds of projects across NHS Lothian are powered by donations to us from innovative equipment and ground-breaking research to creating calm, comfy spaces for patients and staff.

Donate now via the link in our bio!

#NHScharity #BrainSurgery #donatenow
...

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With your support, NHS Lothian Maternity Services have launched two Community Midwifery Hubs, bringing more in-depth assessments to local areas. These hubs help women engage better in their pre-maternal care — making pregnancy a little easier and a lot more personal.

Butterfly IQ Scanners have also been purchased meaning midwives can now check how the baby is lying without sending mums to hospital — saving time, money, and stress. 🦋

Lucy, a Community Midwife in East Lothian, shared:
“It’s so rewarding to be able to provide this service. Now I don’t have to send our mums-to-be to hospital to be scanned which is far less stressful for them and gives a continuity of care throughout their pregnancy.”

👏 Thank you for helping us bring care closer to home.

#NHSCharity #MaternityCare #CommunityMidwifery #PregnancySupport

With your support, NHS Lothian Maternity Services have launched two Community Midwifery Hubs, bringing more in-depth assessments to local areas. These hubs help women engage better in their pre-maternal care — making pregnancy a little easier and a lot more personal.

Butterfly IQ Scanners have also been purchased meaning midwives can now check how the baby is lying without sending mums to hospital — saving time, money, and stress. 🦋

Lucy, a Community Midwife in East Lothian, shared:
“It’s so rewarding to be able to provide this service. Now I don’t have to send our mums-to-be to hospital to be scanned which is far less stressful for them and gives a continuity of care throughout their pregnancy.”

👏 Thank you for helping us bring care closer to home.

#NHSCharity #MaternityCare #CommunityMidwifery #PregnancySupport
...

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