In a remarkable celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit, Cardiff & Vale Health Charity and its partners recently basked in the limelight at the prestigious 29th Arts & Business Awards 2024. The charity emerged triumphant, securing two coveted awards: the Arts, Business & Health Award and the esteemed Business of the Year Award. This double accolade is a testament to the charity’s commitment to integrating the arts within healthcare, fostering wellbeing, and building enduring partnerships.
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Cardiff & Vale Health Charity’s exceptional collaborations with Rubicon Dance, Forget Me Not Chorus, and Motion Control Dance. These partnerships have not only enriched the lives of countless individuals but have also set a benchmark for innovative integration of arts in health services.
The Arts, Business & Health Award celebrates initiatives that demonstrate how the arts can positively impact health and wellbeing. Cardiff & Vale Health Charity’s projects with Rubicon Dance and Forget Me Not Chorus exemplify this synergy. Through these partnerships, patients, staff, and the wider community have experienced the transformative power of movement and music, providing joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
Rubicon Dance, a partner in this success, also shone brightly on this illustrious night, winning their own award, Advisor of the Year for Gemma Barnett’s outstanding contribution to the work of Rubicon Dance. Their work with the Health Charity has seen dance and movement being used as a therapeutic tool, enhancing physical health and emotional resilience among patients. The lively performances and interactive workshops bring vibrancy and hope into hospital wards and community settings, making dance accessible to all.
Forget Me Not Chorus, another cherished collaborator, was equally celebrated. Known for their dedication to supporting people living with dementia through the power of song, they received the inaugural Nicola Heywood Thomas Prize for the arts, recognizing their innovative approach to health and the arts. Their partnership with Cardiff & Vale Health Charity has enabled participants to find joy and connection through singing, fostering a supportive community for those affected by dementia and their families.
Motion Control Dance, integral to the charity’s award-winning initiatives, has championed physical and mental health through creative movement. Their programs have particularly resonated with patients suffering from early onset dementia, promoting healthy lifestyles and boosting confidence and self-esteem. The charity’s collaboration with Motion Control Dance underscores a shared vision of a holistic approach to health, where physical activity and artistic expression go hand in hand.
The Business of the Year Award underscores Cardiff & Vale Health Charity and the Arts in Health team’s role as a leader in forging meaningful and impactful partnerships. Their visionary approach to incorporating arts into healthcare settings demonstrates a deep understanding of the therapeutic potential of creative expression. This award is a tribute to the dedicated Arts team at Cardiff & Vale Health Charity, whose tireless efforts and innovative programs have made a tangible difference in the lives of many.
The celebratory evening at the Arts & Business Awards 2024 was not just a night of accolades but a testament to the power of collaboration. The success stories of Rubicon Dance, Forget Me Not Chorus, and Motion Control Dance highlight the profound impact of integrating arts within healthcare. Together, they have created a vibrant tapestry of hope, healing, and community.
As Cardiff & Vale Health Charity looks ahead, the awards serve as both recognition and inspiration and a resounding affirmation that when health, business, and the arts come together, the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
