On March 30, an inspiring edition of BAZ Academy+ Art & Care took place, organized by the Beelden aan Zee museum.
The symposium brought together healthcare professionals, scientists, experts, and other interested parties around one central question: what role can art play in the well-being of people within the healthcare sector?
The occasion was prompted by a special collaboration with five Dutch healthcare institutions, which have received over 150 museum works on long-term loan from the Beelden aan Zee museum. In this way, art is made accessible to both residents and caregivers, leading to valuable moments of relaxation, recognition, and dialogue.
During the BAZ Academy+ Art & Care on March 30, a collaboration with the healthcare sector, unique to the Dutch museum sector, was explained. Since 2023, five Dutch healthcare institutions – Zorggroep De Laren, Cordaan, Amarosa, Rosa Spier Huis, and Bloezem – have received more than 150 museum works on long-term loan from the Beelden aan Zee museum.
Lot Fakkeldij, Project Manager Collections, selected sculptures for indoor and outdoor spaces in consultation with the healthcare institutions, by sculptors such as Arthur Spronken, Piet Esser, Nic Jonk, and Nicolas Alquin.Brigitte Bloksma, Director of the Beelden aan Zee museum: “I hope that this project inspires other museums to open up their depots and display that beautiful Collection of the Netherlands in places where it touches people directly and most: in their living room, next to the hospital bed, or during a short walk.”
Hester Branderhorst, Director of Amarosa, is pleased with the collaboration: “At all locations, there are sculptures that clients, employees, and visitors walk past in a natural way. The sculptures serve as silent witnesses to beauty and inspiration; they radiate a sense that they ‘are there’. In the everyday world, where elderly care often revolves around the end of life and the weight of daily work, the sculptures point to a different reality. That is inspiring.”
Esther van Dalen, General Director of Zorggroep De Laren: “The collaboration with the Beelden aan Zee museum aligns seamlessly with our vision of Positive Health. In this vision, the well-being and welfare of our residents are central. Art connects, imagines, and inspires wonder. It sometimes briefly takes the resident to another world or a memory of the past. Additionally, it encourages conversation between residents, family, and staff.”
Nelke Manders, Director of the Rosa Spier House, also highlights the positive effects: “For our residents – all with a background in art or science – the sculptures serve as a direct invitation to continue looking, reflecting, and creating. For staff, too, they contribute to a rich, cultural work environment where care and art naturally come together. This collaboration reinforces our conviction that art not only enriches but also connects and contributes to the quality of life. Together, we create space for meaningful encounters and new perspectives.”During the symposium, Prof. Dr. Tineke Abma of the Leyden Academy gave an inspiring lecture on the importance of art within healthcare practice. Using compelling examples from various healthcare domains, she demonstrated the positive health effects of art and creativity. For instance, it appears that ‘Museum on Prescription,’ a museum visit prescribed by a doctor, works well as a treatment for young people with mental health problems. “Bringing both worlds together is not always easy to achieve,” stated Professor Abma. “Despite a growing number of successful projects in the Netherlands, the field remains fragmented and its potential remains underutilized.” She therefore advocates for the development of a field of art and care.
Following this, healthcare professionals engaged in a discussion with Professor Abma about the impact of art on well-being, and the role of aesthetics and creativity in daily life within healthcare institutions. Eliza Perez, Project Leader of the Art and Care Program at Cordaan, spoke about the resistance sometimes encountered by healthcare workers due to high workloads. “The most rewarding part of my job is convincing someone like that of the added value and impact of utilizing art and culture. Colleagues who then experience it themselves often become our greatest ambassadors!”Afterwards, an impressive dance performance by Marc Vlemmix Dance took place, performed by five dancers living with Parkinson’s, rheumatism, or MS. Museum educators also provided an explanation of the inclusive art programs at Museum Beelden aan Zee: Blijft je bij , for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, and Binnen handbereik , for visitors with a visual impairment.
The symposium was made possible in part by support from the VriendenLoterij, the Jo Visser Fund, and Zorggroep De Laren. Museum Beelden aan Zee expresses great appreciation to all speakers and participants for their commitment and valuable contributions.Danielle Swarts, manager of the Jo Visser Fund: “As a catalyst, the Jo Visser Fund contributes to greater visibility of art for young and old! How wonderful it is to engage in conversation with one another and experience the emotion that art does to you. Museums provide a beautiful backdrop for this kind of knowledge exchange, but also a place to share and connect the world between art and care.”
Header image:
From left to right: Esther van Dalen (Zorggroep De Laren), Hester Branderhorst (Amarosa), Brigitte Bloksma and Lot Fakkeldij (Museum Beelden aan Zee), Eliza Perez (Cordaan), Nelke Manders (Rosa Spier Huis) and Monique Dupon (Bloezem) / Francine van der Wansem. All works by Magali Reus.