LIFE-SCAPES: CELEBRATING LIFE’S MOMENTS THROUGH STORYTELLING AND ILLUSTRATION

Inscape is a Hobart based non-profit organisation that supports patients, their families and hospital staff by providing access to inspiring and inclusive arts initiatives within Tasmanian hospitals. They transform and enrich the environment and provide comfort to families at a time of great stress and trauma.

The ‘Life-Scape’ project recognises and values stories from people who are hospitalised at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH). Stories and highlighted moments are shared with the Arts Health Facilitator and illustrator who listen in detail to create the patient’s Life-Scape.

These illustrated artworks are a celebration of the patient’s life and provide opportunities for all to see the patient as a whole person with cherished memories and rich life experiences. The artworks provide staff on the ward with a way to recognise the person and their lives.

The patient and/or their families keep the artwork as a memoir and, with their permission, a copy of their artwork is exhibited in a public space at the hospital. The Life-Scape program has proven to be particularly useful for working with patients who are experiencing memory loss or dementia.