At a Glance

Center Stage helps to establish an environment of complimentary, human-centered cancer care by bringing art to the unique setting of a healthcare facility.

Arts in Health promotes relaxation, community building and professional resilience.

In the last 4 years Center Stage Arts in Health brought PSCI:

• Live Music and Easel Artists in PSCI Lobbies. We adapted to Virtual Performances and Visual Art Videos to reach nearly 7,650 listeners and viewers.
• Art for Wellness Workshops to nearly 900 participants
• Art Care to nearly 1,150 participants.
• PSCI Events to nearly 1,750 participants.

We are shaping these programs continuously through participant feedback. We are working to develop pilot research studies to share measurable outcomes.

Learn more about Penn State Cancer Institute Arts in Health programs or register for an event by emailing us at centerstage@pennstatehealth.psu.edu

Find the current programs and events on the Center Stage website: https://sites.psu.edu/centerstage/cancer-institute-events/

 

Center Stage integrates the healing power of art, music and creativity at Penn State Health.

Center Stage offers a variety of free art making and live music programs for Penn State Cancer Institute (PSCI) patients, caregivers and staff – all designed to transform the cancer care experience. We give our patients, caregivers, and staff opportunities to nurture self-care habits and build community with each other to humanize the health care experience.

We hire regional professional artists to teach workshops, perform and explore the wonders of creativity with our community. Additionally, a credentialed Art Therapist provides individual art therapy sessions on a referral basis to admitted patients and their family caregivers in the PSCI.

Center Stage brings art on site and virtually when necessary. We proudly play an instrumental role in large-scale PSCI events such as Caregivers Week and Survivorship Day. These events bring together everyone our PSCI community in their shared experiences of recovery to foster an uplifting atmosphere. All programs are fully sponsored by the PSCI, with the belief that thoughtfully chosen artistic engagement is an integral part of health and well-being.

On any given day in many of the PSCI lobbies and waiting areas visitors may hear live music or watch an artist paint. Our canvas is a ceiling tile that will be installed in patient treatment areas. Regional professional artists perform and live paint on site each month to foster relaxation, pleasant distraction and community building using the arts as a vehicle.

Art therapy is an evidenced-based, credentialed practice that supports the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being of patients of all ages. Therapeutic art-making takes place within a professional relationship. Therapists carefully select and offer art materials that are aligned to the patient’s needs.

Patients do not need to have any previous artistic experience to benefit from art therapy. Reflection on the art materials and creative processes allows individuals to gain insight to themselves, others and their experiences.

Art therapy also provides patients with opportunities for creative self-expression and relaxation. Sessions support patients in coping with symptoms, pain and the stress associated with a medical diagnosis. Through the work created in art therapy sessions, patients receive a visual and personalized history of their journey and growth through illness or hospitalizations.