At The Royal Marsden, patient care extends beyond their cancer treatment. The Arts Programme provides creative activities designed to support patients’ mental and physical wellbeing.
Engaging in art within a healthcare setting is known to have positive effects for people with cancer, offering as a welcome distraction from treatment. The programme’s art, crafting and exhibiting opportunities aim to reduce pain, ease stress and fatigue, boost confidence and support immune health among patients.
Your support enables us to fund vital projects like the Arts Programme which was made possible by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Sienna's story
A patient who credits the Arts Programme for getting her through treatment is 61-year-old Sienna. In 2024, Sienna was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer which had spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and reconstructive surgery at The Royal Marsden. Last year, Sienna's cancer came back and she's since had further treatment to help target the spread to her brain.
During her treatment at the Olayan Day Care Unit in the Oak Cancer Centre, Sienna was introduced to the Arts Programme.
The programme, facilitated by creative professionals, offers a broad range of art and music activities. Patients can try collaging, painting, sitting for a portrait, beatboxing, listening to live performers, curating an exhibition, narrating an audiobook, and much more.
"I was having chemotherapy and really struggling" says Sienna. "Then, one of the artists from the Arts Programme came round to see me. She offered me some watercolour pencils and I started to draw. It took me away from the challenges I was having during treatment, I found it so incredibly helpful.
“When I got home from the hospital that day, I had the urge to paint. I felt really inspired by the artist I’d met whilst having treatment. I went out and bought some oils, paints and brushes and from there I've started painting as a hobby. Last week I even sold one of my paintings!
“I'd never painted in my life before and now I know that I'll always do it. If it hadn't been for meeting the artist in the hospital that day, I would never have discovered painting as an outlet. It's such a powerful tool for me now – to get through everything.”
“If I hadn’t discovered painting through the Arts Programme at The Royal Marsden, I’m not sure how I would have got through my treatment.”
“Painting makes me feel like I can escape the cancer, it takes me to a different place. I did a few paintings to reflect my cancer journey – they’re quite meaningful and powerful. Things I couldn’t express in words, I’ve expressed through painting.
“Often, it’s quite difficult to talk to other people about what you’re going through in your cancer journey. Friends and family could struggle to understand what you’re going through and might end up saying the wrong thing – or nothing at all. You feel it’s quite hard to hold them, as well as holding yourself.
“Sometimes it’s hard to put into words how you’re feeling. Painting has definitely helped with this, and with relieving some of the anxiety of treatment. I find it brings a sense of relief.
“I’ve also loved seeing the musicians in the Olayan Day Care Unit before when I’ve been having treatment. Anything which distracts you whilst having treatment and taps into your senses is such a delight. I found this so supportive, it brought me a huge amount of joy.”
Sienna’s most recent scans are showing positive results for her, with a significant reduction in the size of her tumours since her latest treatment. Through her treatment, art-making has not only relieved her anxiety but also opened the door to an entirely new venture – sparked by the Arts Programme.
Final words from Arts Officer, Benjamin Hartley
Over the last seven years, Arts Officer Dr Benjamin Hartley has combined his nursing background and fine arts experience to co-curate artworks with patients, staff and local artists.
“We involve patients and staff in curating our art collection in ways that we will hope will encourage them to think about the power of the visual art that we’re displaying and to connect with others through it.
“We share the understanding that the power of creativity really can support people whilst they’re in hospital.”
“It’s my honour to thank the Trustees of the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation for their incredible support of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and The Royal Marsden’s Arts Programme over the last year. Because of that generosity, we’ve been able to strengthen our programme of workshops and performances that take place at the bedside, at the chairside and other hospital spaces.”
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