What we do
Havens

Inspiring art installations, quiet gardens or even a hidden nook to claim as their own, these are the havens of NHS Lothian staff. Through interviews and portraits, find out more about these havens and the impact they have on wellbeing.

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Nature Bathing at East Lothian Community Hospital

Find out more about our double award-winning holistic and pioneering art and environment strategy at East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington

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Get Involved
Collections: Alasdair Gray

With the release of the Poor Things Film, we’re celebrating Scottish writer Alasdair Gray, whose artwork is part of our Tonic Collection and hangs in NHS Lothian hospitals.

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London Symphony Orchestra Strikes a Chord with Staff and Patients at NHS Lothian Hospitals

The uplifting events saw patients and staff enjoy some respite and distraction through an afternoon of music.

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About us
Case Study: Nature Bathing

Drawing on elements of nature can quickly take you out of a clinical space, which can feel confined or detached from the outside world. Viewing nature via artistic representations can promote restoration, significantly improve mental health and reduce stress or anxiety

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Case Study: Context and Place

A community hospital like East Lothian Community Hospital is a hub, a nerve centre for local people, responding to and tending to their needs. The art and design programme took inspiration from the site, the surrounding landscapes and the local people.

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Home » What we do

Tree houses © John Brown, photo by Simon Crofts & Sylwia Kowalczyk

What we do

Tonic Arts supports the health and wellbeing of NHS Lothian staff, patients and visitors through a diverse creative programme.

The Tonic Arts programme creatively enhances the healthcare environment and enriches the patient experience through the following activity, delivered in partnership with specialist arts organisations and project managers:

The improvement of emotional and physical environments through a programme of high-quality art and design commissions and artist residencies.

The continued growth and provision of a relevant, uplifting art collection of over 2,500 works, accessible to all across NHS Lothian.

The development of an engaging exhibitions programme across major hospital sites.

The continued development of an innovative participatory and live arts programme for long-stay patients and public spaces.

An increased awareness of the benefits of arts for health and wellbeing through a range of specially tailored training and events.

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.