In s3e44, Platemark host Ann Shafer speaks with Naomi Huth, chief curator and director of the art collection for NYC Health + Hospitals. Held within the Arts in Medicine department, NYC Health + Hospitals has one of the largest public (non museum) art collections in New York City with more than 7,000 works of art, including a number of murals. Their goal is to make art accessible to the public and integrate the collection into healing environments across NYC Health + Hospitals’ eleven acute care hospitals, five nursing homes, six diagnostic and treatment centers, and more than seventy community-based primary care sites.
A major part of Naomi's job is to highlight the concepts of diversity and accessibility in collecting, collaboration, and mentoring emerging artists. She has focused on acquiring works by underrepresented artists to improve and diversify the collection as well as integrating diverse perspectives into the collection and fostering a better understanding of the issues of today through the lens of art.
We talk about how art can reduce stress, offer peace, and help both patients and their families and medical staff members find moments of respite in busy and intense spaces. It's different yet not from being a museum curator.