Tonic Arts

Enhancing environments and enriching experiences.

Tonic Arts is NHS Lothian Charity’s vibrant, award-winning programme that creatively enhances the patient, staff and visitor experience at NHS Lothian.

Working in partnership with staff and patients, we deliver a diverse arts programme of events, workshops, exhibitions and site-specific art commissions that help improve staff and patient health and wellbeing across the NHS Lothian community.

Havens

NHS Lothian Charity’s programmes, Tonic Arts and Green Health, in partnership with Stills Gallery, are proud to present ‘Havens’ – a series of portraits and stories documenting NHS Lothian staff members’ work-life experiences. 

Craig Easton taking a picture of Linda at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Watch our video to find out more about how we use art and creativity to enhance health and wellbeing

Scottish Opera Young Company singing, dressing in festive clothes holding toys. Credit Sally Jubb

14 December, 2023

NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts Programme and S…

NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts Programme and Scottish Opera Young Company Spread Festive Cheer Across NHS Lothian Sites

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Glade © NEON, photo by cro+kow

20 November, 2023

Prestigious healthcare award win sees Tonic Arts recog…

NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts Programme received an award win at the 2023 Building Better Healthcare Awards, held at The […]

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Our Common Humanity, © Juli Bolaños-Durman

10 October, 2023

Tonic Arts marks World Mental Health Day with the open…

Our Common Humanity by artist Juli Bolaños-Durman will go on permanent display at The Royal Edinburgh Hospital next week to […]

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Sir Quentin Blake

21 September, 2023

NHS Lothian Charity welcomes Sir Quentin Blake Exhibit…

Celebrating all children and their abilities! In partnership with Kindred, NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts programme proudly presents the opening of its child-centred […]

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Our Work

tiled Corridor © Frances Priest - Tonic Commissions

Tonic Commissions

We support and manage arts, design and selected Greenspace commissioning programmes, developed with patient and staff engagement and collaboration.
Tonic Collections

Tonic Collection

The Art Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors with over 2,500 artworks displayed across over 30 NHS Lothian sites.
Saudade © Katherina Axemo, exhibited as part of the Leaves exhibition

Tonic Exhibitions

We curate temporary exhibitions at seven gallery spaces across five NHS Lothian hospital sites, showcasing a dynamic and diverse range of artworks including patient and staff work alongside professional and commissioned work.
Engagement

Tonic Participation

Our Participation Programme brings the transformative power of the arts to patients, caregivers and staff in healthcare settings across NHS Lothian, inspiring individuals and helping them to connect and communicate to improve wellbeing.