University Hospital for Tumors, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center

Since its establishment in 2016, the Center for Arts and Medicine has formalized a range of activities at the University Hospital for Tumors, utilizing art to better integrate individuals with malignant diseases or alleviate the stigma of such conditions. Starting with a series of exhibitions in 2011 with the creation of the Panacea gallery, the center has opened up to realms not typically found in hospital spaces. The ensuing interaction between artists/artworks and space users (patients/families/friends/staff) has spurred further actions, including concerts, a literary club, movement/dance therapy, and music and art therapy. Beyond continuous medical treatment, the center aims to improve the quality of life, ease hospital stays, help families understand the disease, and raise awareness of disease prevention while reducing stress among patients, families, and hospital staff. The overarching goal is to present malignant diseases as chronic conditions with a perspective for a normal future life if timely recognized.