Arts Service – St Columba’s Hospice Palliative Care, Edinburgh

Why the arts

The arts are integral to who we are, to how we relate to others and the world around us. They can be a shelter, can bypass words and offer support in times of change and loss.

Recognising the transformative potential of the arts in human life, we are committed to supporting patient and family wellbeing through the use of expressive arts, including music and songwriting, painting, creative writing, photography and film making.

In diverse forms and formats, including individual sessions, open groups and creative projects, the arts can bring people together in creative ways. This includes our engagement with schools and other communities to promote healthier attitudes towards change and loss in life.

Palliative Arts No.17 Talks

We're excited to launch our No.17 Talks!

With the spotlight on palliative arts, these series of talks offer a welcoming, critical and creative space for sharing practice, research and innovation. The talks take place at our beautiful No.17 conference venue and online via Zoom.

Join us for our next talk on Friday 26th April with Victoria Kammin.

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Arts in Palliative Care ECHO Network

Our Arts in Palliative Care ECHO Network is an online network to support Scotland-based arts therapists and arts practitioners working in palliative care. We are holding four sessions from December 2023 to September 2024, sharing of knowledge and experience of the role of the arts in palliative care through facilitated case examples and discussion.

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International Symposium for The Arts in Palliative Care

Hosted by our arts team, our annual arts symposium offers a space for sharing new emerging practices and research regarding the arts in palliative care.

 

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Cultural events

We organise diverse arts and cultural events bringing together patients, families, staff, volunteers and the local community. We celebrate books, songwriting and live music.

Look out for our award-winning Tunes with Tea live music events and upcoming concerts. We proudly partner with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) to bring their digital sessions to you.

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Get involved

Please complete our registration form if you would like to join one of our arts groups, including our online community choir, or if you wish to access any of the online music concerts and events listed below.

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Life Story Sound Track

In the summer of 2022, we hosted an innovative Musician in Residence project with folk singer / songwriter Harry Harris. Working with patients, families, staff and volunteers, Harry wrote and recorded songs inspired by the people he met. 

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You, Now

A series of creative writing workshops helped us to re-engage with our senses, our memories and our experiences. These were available to our patients, their families and the local community.

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The Invisible String

A narrated story about separation, connection and love by the St Columba’s Hospice Care community.

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