"To do and see what happens, instead of planning for something to happen", a qualitative study on how professional artists working in a palliative care setting shape their practice.

Abstract

Background: Research has acknowledged the potential benefits of art programs in palliative care settings while also highlighting associated concerns due to the extreme vulnerability of clients. To add to existing research, which predominantly focuses on social and healthcare outcomes of art initiatives, this study examines how artists shape their practice in response to the unique challenges of palliative care and client vulnerability.

Method: We conducted ethnographic research, observing and conducting in-depth interviews with nine artists working in a Belgian supportive and palliative daycare centre.

Results: The findings reveal that the artists prioritise providing meaningful artistic experiences and employ a responsive, improvisational approach, emphasising the principle of negotiation.

Conclusions: Working as an artist in palliative care presents both emotional and artistic challenges. Expectations regarding what art can mean in this context must be held in check, all while keeping the repercussions of interventions on clients firmly in focus.