The Healing Arts Program was established in 2014, by local art collectors Len and Doris Corris and curator Lauren Rabb, to encourage a more healing environment for patients, staff and visitors. Art installations throughout TMC Health System’s four hospitals, six cancer center sites, and 21 clinics, have been made possible through donations from artists and collectors and grant support from the TMC Health Foundation. The program’s gallery-quality portfolio of works includes paintings, photographs, graphics, and sculptures by both emerging and established professional artists. Many of these artists are local to Tucson or the Southwestern region.

Research has shown that arts in a healthcare setting can result in positive outcomes for patients, staff, and visitors (Rollins, 2021; Trupp et al., 2025). Regarding patients, reported outcomes include reduced heart rates, improved reported mental health outcomes (i.e. reduce anxiety), increased well-being (i.e. management of pain or improvements in sleep quality), and that visual art provided a positive distraction (i.e. aids in stress reduction); for healthcare staff reported outcomes include increased well-being, belonging, capacity to prioritize patient needs; and for visitors, reported outcomes include improved experience on healthcare environment and increased well-being.

The program is currently managed by Jenna Green, who can be reached through the TMC Health Foundation.