Museum Art Therapy: Exploring the Possibility...

Museum Art Therapy: Exploring the Possibility of Convergence and Collaboration between Art Therapy and Museums for Cancer Patients

Author Name : Fatma Faheem, Mohammad Irfan

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the scope of cultural institutions has expanded much beyond their primary focus, culture and heritage. In the 21st century, the museum's gaze has undergone a paradigm shift. As society has changed, so has the work of museum. Today's museums focus is no longer on lifeless objects but on individuals and their place in society. Museums have moved their resources and expertise towards responsible and inclusive social commitments. Museums are increasingly taking on roles like facilitating job training programs, celebrating cultural diversity and awareness, and when we talk about health and wellbeing, museums play a pivotal role in many health care issues. Doctors and researchers are finding out more information about Cancer disease on a day to day basis. For society as a whole, learning more about Cancer can help us to understand what a Cancer sufferer faces. It also helps people to be more informed about their health and wellbeing. Art therapy programs can be easily organized by museums or museum-like institutions with the collaborations of health care institutions. Where, participants usually do not assume any of the costs, because generally such types of art therapy programs are funded by a combination of grants, donations, and hospital budgets.