University Health announces SaludArte program calls for art submissions

University Health wants to fill two new hospitals and two multi-specialty clinics with art that brings the vibrant spirit of the South Texas outdoors into each building's healing environment. Artists will have the chance to participate in the award-winning SaludArte: Art of Healing program through three public art calls and five open house events starting Sept. 1.

The SaludArte: Art of Healing program uses art to inspire healing, compassion, hope and trust. With the 2024-2025 public art call, we seek to celebrate the rich and varied flora and fauna of South Texas through a diverse array of artistic expression. The call for submissions is open to all forms of artwork, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures and mixed media. Each piece should reflect the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the South Texas landscape.

Site-specific creative opportunities

San Antonio is on an ecological crossroads and the two new hospitals each sit in different zones, with its own unique landscape and heritage. The University Health Palo Alto Hospital’s art will reflect the San Antonio missions and their agricultural and cultural heritage, while the University Health Retama Hospital art will speak of ranching, cowboys and horses.

Artists are encouraged to submit works that explore the theme of flora and fauna, highlighting the distinctive plants, animals and ecosystems native to South Texas. This theme will help create a cohesive and engaging atmosphere throughout the new hospital spaces, providing comfort and inspiration for patients, families and health care professionals alike.

Art contributes to healing and positive experiences

"We witness it every day. Art has the power to inspire healing and create a welcoming environment for our patients and the community," said Allison Hays Lane, executive curator at University Health. "With the SaludArte: Art of Healing program, we are excited to incorporate new artistic talent into our facilities, making our community hospitals not just places of healing, but also vibrant spaces that reflect the unique character of our region."

Building artwork into a well-designed, evidenced-based health care structure encourages hope, positive distraction, faster healing and less medication use for patients. The art supports staff by creating a regenerative environment in a potentially highly stressful work setting.

Art call submission details

• Submission Periods: Design enhancement art call (Sept. 1, 2024 – Nov. 15, 2024); Public art for all sites art call (Sept. 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025); and Art procurement for all sites art call (Sept. 1, 2024 – Sept. 1, 2025)
• Open House Events: All events take place from 6-7 p.m.
  Sept. 4 - University Hospital, open house and tour, 4502 Medical Dr.
  Sept. 11 - Texas Diabetes Institute, 701 S. Zarzamora St.
  Sept. 18 - Northeast Lakeview College, STEM building, 1201 Kitty Hawk Rd.
  Sept. 25 - Texas A&M University-San Antonio, One University Way
  Oct. 2 - Dr. Robert L.M. Hilliard Center, 919 Locke St.
• Eligibility: Open to all artists, including local, national and international artists
  School groups, when registered with a teacher, are eligible to donate artwork to the program. University Health is excited to work with schools and encourages teachers to participate.
• Categories: Paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, mixed-media and more
• Theme: Flora and fauna of South Texas
• Submission Guidelines: Artwork must be original. Artists selling or commissioned work must be 21 years or older to participate. Details on dimensions, medium requirements, deadlines and submission instructions are available at www.publicartist.org.

University Health looks forward to showcasing the incredible talent of diverse artists while creating a meaningful connection between art and health care in Bexar County.