The Mark Taper & Johnny Mercer Artists in Residence Program

We offer a wide range of opportunities for artistic expression in both therapeutic and social, non-therapeutic settings. Hospitalized c hildren and their families give voice to feelings and work through fears about illness, injury and mortality through their pictures, words, and songs. Active participation in the creative process offers patients a sense of control, builds self-esteem through mastery of various artistic skills, and helps the children to gain a sense of normalcy in the hospital environment.

On the forefront of pediatric care, we are one of the few hospitals nationwide to combine an artist-in-residence and visiting artist program with expressive therapy components including music, art, and poetry therapy.  All of these services are offered as part of the ongoing commitment to family-centered care: treating and healing the whole child and family. Arts Program services, which are offered to patients and families free of charge, are funded entirely through private donations.

Each year, the Arts Program reaches over 6,000 children with group workshops in therapeutic playrooms, one-on-one interactions at beside, and waiting room and pre-op visits. In addition, the children's artwork brightens the hospital surroundings with art and poetry prominent on the lobby's donor wall, throughout the hospital's hallways, and in the healing gardens.

1. Enhance their ability for creative and therapeutic expression
2. Develop skills to cope with illness and hospitalization
3. Build self-esteem through mastery of artistic materials and processes
4. Engage in a mentorship relationship with a professional artist.