UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine (AIM)

Through a collaboration with the Alys Stephens Center and UAB Medicine, UAB Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Alabama to have a formal Arts in Medicine program. AIM focuses on the needs of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. AIM includes both interactive and passive arts experiences, which can include bedside and workshop activities, or performances and visual art installations in public spaces.

Research on the arts and health has indicated that arts programs may boost the moods of patients and their families by reducing perceived pain, anxiety and stress. In turn, that could contribute to a reduction in medication use, a quicker recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

AIM offers programs in painting, drawing, sewing, storytelling, theatre, writing, music, guided-meditation and dance/movement in UAB Women & Infants Center, Kirklin Clinic, and North Pavilion. Our artists-in-residence are able to tailor programs to an individual specific needs and offer them bedside in addition to hospital waiting areas.