‘Art can help us to emotionally navigate the journey of battling an illness or injury, to process difficult emotions in times of emergency and challenging events. The creation and enjoyment of the arts helps promote holistic wellness and can be a motivating factor in recovery’.   World Health Organisation

The Arts Programme

St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network offers a vibrant and inclusive arts programme which includes creative art workshops, patient exhibitions, visiting musicians, writers, artists, arts festivals and art collection tours and talks.

For people undergoing treatment for cancer, art can be a powerful tool to relieve anxieties and stress, increase self-esteem and self-confidence, and promote positive health and well-being. The workshops welcome all skill levels—from beginners to experienced artists—in a warm, non-judgemental environment that encourages creativity and personal expression. The art centre is a space that is welcoming and supportive where patients can find fun, conversation, stimulation, space and peace for themselves, and also the opportunity to discover or revisit their artistic interests.

Opening Hours 

For patients:  Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday   10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm

All lodge/ward and out patients may drop into the centre at any time, there is no appointment necessary.

Young patients and their families:  Young patients are encouraged to come to the art centre.  Art materials can be requested if attendance is not feasible. An art cart is also available in the teenage room.

For staff: Evening courses were introduced in 2009 and are available throughout the year and drop in day sessions.

Location   

Behind the Highfield Café in St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar.

Contact

Ema Staunton, Arts Programme Manager

Address:       St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network, St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6 D06E1C9

Telephone:  01 4065412

Email:        Ar********@*lh.ie

Testimonials

Patients

  • I highly recommend spending time in the art centre, these classes are a wonderful facility that the hospital provides. I am a complete beginner, but was amazed what I was able to produce, I was introduced to silk painting, pottery and embroidery. I have since signed up for embroidery classes when my treatment is complete!
  • Thank you St Luke’s for the art centre! During my 5 weeks treatment, the art centre became my go to for relaxation, conversation and fun. I looked forward to the day! It was a life changing experience where personal growth and renewed confidence under the consistent gentle guidance will never be forgotten.
  • Attending the art centre was as much a part of my treatment as all the medical side, it lifted my spirits, got me through the day and gave me a new outlook on life! We are all creative.
  • A thousand thanks for renewing my interest in life, I know the music and art was essential to my recovery, it wasn’t ‘filling in time’ it was engaging in new and positive experiences.
  • The best six weeks of my illness were spent in the art centre! Always encouraging, never judgemental, I thoroughly enjoyed myself!
  • All the art along the corridors, music in the gardens- you have no idea the difference this makes to us! Thank you.

Staff

  • The art courses give us time to stop, catch our breath and experience art with no pressure on getting it right.  It is a fantastic space and opportunity to chat with colleagues, have a laugh and try something new!  Loved every minute of it and would really encourage all staff to give the class a try.
  • I definitely recommend taking an evening class in the art centre. It is so fulfilling to just let go and learn different art techniques. It is a brilliant way to get to know staff from other departments and chat and relax after a busy day at work.
  • I have participated in the staff art classes and they are great fun, a lovely way to do something different/artistic and relax after work and it’s really nice to get to know staff in other departments.
  • I am not a bit artistic but that isn’t the point, it is not all about artistic talent but more about getting to know your work colleagues a bit better and the classes are so enjoyable.