A Shot of Culture

Having just got to my computer after the launch event of ‘Culture Shot’, an initiative between the University of Manchester’s teaching hospitals, art gallery and museum, a quick bit of blogging seems appropriate.

‘Culture Shot’ is a week of events running from the 6^th-10^th of February based in the University hospitals. It involves museums from all over Manchester, not just those associated with the University; I, for instance, went because of the work I am doing with the Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archive.  The basic idea is that culture can be used to aid with recovery by enriching the lives of those who are ill. However, it is not limited to patients; the focus of much of next week’s work is on the staff in hospitals and giving them a chance to take a short time out of their busy working day to appreciate Manchester’s cultural heritage.

Further to this the idea of bringing culture to the hospitals, most of the collections being used are very tactile: from the Mary Greg collection to archaeological collections of Manchester Museum. This is to spark interest and to make people feel comfortable with the collections. This in turn should make people feel more comfortable within the hospital environment, which can be daunting for patients, staff and visitors.

All these aims seem very noble and important in demonstrating the beneficial impact arts and culture can have on people’s lives. It also shows that universities can do great work when departments work together.

What do you think? Is the initiative useful? Will it really help people next week and in the future?

Now for some good news, apparently spending time looking at art may have been proven to make you live longer.

http://www.healthandculture.org.uk/