To the next power: How true cultural partnerships can exponentially grow a hospital arts program

Abstract

Snow City Arts in Chicago has been providing arts programs on pediatric wards for 11 years with a unique purpose. Most hospital-based arts programs are rooted in two different yet important models: recreation or art therapy. Snow City Arts is different in that it puts the focus on learning. As an independent nonprofit organization, it was founded on the simple premise that chronically ill children often miss extended amounts of school because of their need for medical treatments. The organization's success has hinged on the innovative partnerships it has had with a wide array of cultural institutions, local colleges and universities, medical centers, the public school system, and the regional community of professional artists. In 2006 Snow City Arts was recognized by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities for its innovative approach toward hospitalized children when it received the Coming Up Taller Award – awarded each year to the 15 best youth arts programs in the United States.