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
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Have you visited the Royal Infirmary recently?👀 Our Nature Ranger and Volunteer have been busy helping improve the entrance way. 🪴 Let us know if you have noticed the planters! #GreenHealth #Gardening #Improvements
Have you visited the Royal Infirmary recently?👀 Our Nature Ranger and Volunteer have been busy helping improve the entrance way. 🪴 Let us know if you have noticed the planters! #GreenHealth #Gardening #Improvements
Well-considered decor can have a significant impact on healthcare settings, and the people who come into contact with them, especially in the context of trauma-informed care.
Working with staff and stakeholders at the Sycamore Centre, an equally safe multi-agency Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), our Tonic arts team commissioned artist and designer, Louise Kirby, to help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for individuals to begin their recovery journey.
While the building’s function was well-defined, its design lacked warmth and individuality. The goal was to transform the space into a trauma-informed, person-centred environment that fostered a sense of comfort and support and alleviated the clinical and institutional feel of the space.
Louise has transformed the space through the sensitive application of nature-based design. Her talent for blending calming aesthetics with a deep understanding of the impact of the environment has led to the creation of a welcoming, warm and peaceful space. "Rhythms of Nature" brings elements of nature into the building inspired by a bright Scottish woodland walk. Circular elements feature on wooden panels, feature murals, signage, visual wayfinding and window enhancements throughout the Centre’s public areas and twelve interview and treatment rooms.
#TonicArts #ADoseOfCreativity #TraumaInformedCare #NatureBasedDesign #ArtInHealthcare #HealingEnvironment #DesignForWellbeing #LouiseKirbyDesign
Well-considered decor can have a significant impact on healthcare settings, and the people who come into contact with them, especially in the context of trauma-informed care.
Working with staff and stakeholders at the Sycamore Centre, an equally safe multi-agency Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), our Tonic arts team commissioned artist and designer, Louise Kirby, to help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for individuals to begin their recovery journey.
While the building’s function was well-defined, its design lacked warmth and individuality. The goal was to transform the space into a trauma-informed, person-centred environment that fostered a sense of comfort and support and alleviated the clinical and institutional feel of the space.
Louise has transformed the space through the sensitive application of nature-based design. Her talent for blending calming aesthetics with a deep understanding of the impact of the environment has led to the creation of a welcoming, warm and peaceful space. "Rhythms of Nature" brings elements of nature into the building inspired by a bright Scottish woodland walk. Circular elements feature on wooden panels, feature murals, signage, visual wayfinding and window enhancements throughout the Centre’s public areas and twelve interview and treatment rooms.
#TonicArts #ADoseOfCreativity #TraumaInformedCare #NatureBasedDesign #ArtInHealthcare #HealingEnvironment #DesignForWellbeing #LouiseKirbyDesign
We had a great day out and about promoting the staff lottery* and our exciting July birthday draw! A huge thank you to everyone who came to see us today.
Even if we didn`t make it to your site, or you weren`t able to pop along, don`t worry, you can still get involved and be part of the fun!
If you`ve not signed up already, make sure you sign up 1st July, 2025, to be in with a chance to win the £2,000 special `Happy Birthday NHS` prize! 🎁 Sign up by visiting nhslothiancharity.org/lottery
And if you’re already a member of our staff lottery, you’re automatically entered for the chance to win one of July`s 26 prizes! 🎉
*Please note this lottery is only available to NHS Lothian staff
#HappyBirthdayNHS #StaffLottery #PrizeDraw #BigWin #CelebrateNHS
We had a great day out and about promoting the staff lottery* and our exciting July birthday draw! A huge thank you to everyone who came to see us today.
Even if we didn`t make it to your site, or you weren`t able to pop along, don`t worry, you can still get involved and be part of the fun!
If you`ve not signed up already, make sure you sign up 1st July, 2025, to be in with a chance to win the £2,000 special `Happy Birthday NHS` prize! 🎁 Sign up by visiting nhslothiancharity.org/lottery
And if you’re already a member of our staff lottery, you’re automatically entered for the chance to win one of July`s 26 prizes! 🎉
*Please note this lottery is only available to NHS Lothian staff
#HappyBirthdayNHS #StaffLottery #PrizeDraw #BigWin #CelebrateNHS
Do you have a passion for art and a desire to give back? We`re looking for dedicated Art Collection Volunteers to support our Tonic Arts programme. You`ll help enrich hospital environments by contributing to the care of our art collection, as well as help patients, staff, and visitors engage with art in healthcare settings.
Find out more and apply by visiting: https://ow.ly/mkHZ50W37ne
#TonicArts #VolunteerWithUs #ArtInHealth #VolunteerOpportunities #HospitalArtCollection #GiveBack #MakeADifference
Do you have a passion for art and a desire to give back? We`re looking for dedicated Art Collection Volunteers to support our Tonic Arts programme. You`ll help enrich hospital environments by contributing to the care of our art collection, as well as help patients, staff, and visitors engage with art in healthcare settings.
Find out more and apply by visiting: https://ow.ly/mkHZ50W37ne
#TonicArts #VolunteerWithUs #ArtInHealth #VolunteerOpportunities #HospitalArtCollection #GiveBack #MakeADifference
An exciting day for colleagues based at West Port yesterday with the delivery of some goodies from the Bike Station.
We`re delighted to have supported the West Port Bike User Group with tools and spares, to help you get home safely. Find everything you need for unexpected repairs, including:
- Pumps, levers, and hex tools
- Puncture repair kits (patches, spray, inner tubes)
There are also two sets of rechargeable bike lights in case you get caught out after dark. Please remember to return them as soon as you can for others to use.
Happy cycling 🚲
@the_bikestation #WestPortBikeUserGroup #NHSLothian #CycleToWork #StaffWellbeing #BikeSafety
An exciting day for colleagues based at West Port yesterday with the delivery of some goodies from the Bike Station.
We`re delighted to have supported the West Port Bike User Group with tools and spares, to help you get home safely. Find everything you need for unexpected repairs, including:
- Pumps, levers, and hex tools
- Puncture repair kits (patches, spray, inner tubes)
There are also two sets of rechargeable bike lights in case you get caught out after dark. Please remember to return them as soon as you can for others to use.
Happy cycling 🚲
@the_bikestation #WestPortBikeUserGroup #NHSLothian #CycleToWork #StaffWellbeing #BikeSafety
Registration is NOW OPEN for EMF 2026, and we’ve got an exclusive 25% OFF early bird discount just for you! 🎉
Use code EMF2026EARLYBIRD when you sign up to secure your spot and support life-saving projects across NHS Lothian.
This is your chance to run for a cause, challenge yourself, and save on your entry fee – but hurry, this offer won’t last long! ⏳
👉 Sign up today and let’s make 2026 a year to remember. Link in bio.
#EMF2026 #EdinburghMarathonFestival #CharityRun #RunForACause #NHS
Registration is NOW OPEN for EMF 2026, and we’ve got an exclusive 25% OFF early bird discount just for you! 🎉
Use code EMF2026EARLYBIRD when you sign up to secure your spot and support life-saving projects across NHS Lothian.
This is your chance to run for a cause, challenge yourself, and save on your entry fee – but hurry, this offer won’t last long! ⏳
👉 Sign up today and let’s make 2026 a year to remember. Link in bio.
#EMF2026 #EdinburghMarathonFestival #CharityRun #RunForACause #NHS
Wishing the very best of luck to everyone participating in the thrilling Kelpies Experience tomorrow! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. We hope you soak in the stunning views and feel amazing as you conquer the course. You`ve got this! 🐴💪
Wishing the very best of luck to everyone participating in the thrilling Kelpies Experience tomorrow! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure. We hope you soak in the stunning views and feel amazing as you conquer the course. You`ve got this! 🐴💪
🎨 Join our Tonic Arts Team! 🎨
We`re hiring:
✨ Participation Officer
✨ Art & Design Enhancements Project Manager
Help bring the arts to healthcare environments and make a real impact across NHS Lothian.
But be quick as the closing date is tomorrow!
🗓️ Apply by 9 June - link in bio
#ArtsInHealth #CreativeJobs #TonicArts #NHSLothian #Charity
🎨 Join our Tonic Arts Team! 🎨
We`re hiring:
✨ Participation Officer
✨ Art & Design Enhancements Project Manager
Help bring the arts to healthcare environments and make a real impact across NHS Lothian.
But be quick as the closing date is tomorrow!
🗓️ Apply by 9 June - link in bio
#ArtsInHealth #CreativeJobs #TonicArts #NHSLothian #Charity