Growing an inclusive world though creativity
Growing an inclusive world though creativity
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The power of music to bring joy, enhance the healing journey and foster inclusion has been understood and encouraged by hospital staff, clients and families for more than a century. As early as 1905, clients have been supported and encouraged to express themselves through their many creative talents, including song, photography, poetry and art. Over the decades our music and arts programming has grown into an internationally recognized, award winning program, where all children could express themselves and heal through the power of art.
Families enjoying music at the Spiral Garden (Spiral Garden and Cosmic Bird Feeder, annual report 2003)
Planting the Seeds of Spiral Garden
“Spiral Garden, at its core, is a space for children to explore their innate creativity and imagination in a safe, stimulating, and serene environment. The model of Spiral Garden normalizes empathy and equality, empowers children of all abilities to respect nature, be themselves, experiment in the arts, and be community-minded.”
– Anna Khouzam, current staff, former Spiral Garden volunteer and participant
Left: Two participants water a memorial tree (Spiral Garden Resource Book, 2009) Right: A participant tends the garden (Spiral Garden Resource Book, 2009)
The Daphne Cockwell Spiral Garden is Holland Bloorview’s outdoor integrated art, garden, music and play program. Developed in 1984, forty years ago, by a special education teacher and an early childhood educator alongside three working artists, the garden was designed to be an inclusive and integrative space. At opening, it brought 12-15 children from both the hospital and surrounding neighborhood to attend as participants. The camps provided a variety of activities: clay, pottery, painting, poetry, tending the garden, weaving, oven building, baking and much more!
Today, Spiral Garden supports hundreds of children with and without disabilities, in collaborating with artists and musicians to create a unique culture of music, art, and stories while tending the organic garden.
Gabriele participating at Spiral Garden in 2023.
Jennifer Martin, mother to Spiral Garden participant and client Gabriele eight, describes Gabriele’s recent experience:
“Gabriele’s favourite part was the wood working! He developed a collection of pieces through the week all of which are still displayed in our home! Gabriele was painting, playing the drums and watering the flowers all without touching anything! He was even able to experience things like imprinting on fabric and using a saw despite his fine motor challenges.”
Gabriele participating at Spiral Garden in 2023.
Client at the Spiral Garden (Spiral Garden and Cosmic Bird Feeder annual report 2003)
As Shannon Crossman, program coordinator, arts, spiral garden & creative arts March break respite camp, artist, music and arts, puts it:
“[the garden] offers a retreat and respite from the busyness of school and hospitalization, a place for relaxation and reinvigoration where people are welcomed to come-as-they-are in a rich community of people, plants and animals.”
Client at the Spiral Garden (Spiral Garden and Cosmic Bird Feeder annual report 2003)
Budding Musicians
From 1956-1964, Fran Herman, a groundbreaking music therapist, created The Wheelchair Players, the first group music therapy project of its kind in Canada.
Fran describes how the program became more than simple arts expression, it was also a catalyst for children to develop agency and self-advocacy: “Designed as a vehicle for exploration in the expressive arts, the youngsters became advocates, seeking access to the arts as their basic human rights. These youngsters, who because of their obstacles were perceived as receivers and consumers, wanted to be viewed as contributors and sharers. They understood that through the sharing and development of creative activities, they could move beyond the confines of their disabilities. We decided a musical show would help in this regard.” – Fran Herman, JB Music Therapy interview, 2016.
Today, music therapy and adapted music education remain staples of Holland Bloorview’s clinical and therapeutic programming. We provide individual and group sessions, offer Glee club and rock band performances, have access to virtual music instruments that operate using gestures and we are currently developing an accessible DJ app for musicians with motor challenges.
Left: The Wheelchair Players and music therapist Fran Herman, 1985 (Hugh MacMillan Medical Center archives)
Right: Clients performing at Holland Bloorview Rocks 2022 (HBRocks)
Client at a music therapy session
“[Music’s] nonverbal and emotive qualities allow individuals to express musically what they feel, especially if words are not yet developed or available. Sometimes, our words cannot capture complexity in experience. Music can say many things at the same time, like instruments in a band, orchestra or voices in a choir. When we get out what we are feeling, we have the opportunity to process our experiences and understand ourselves better. The better we understand ourselves, the better we can advocate for our own healthcare experience by actively participating in the world.”
– Andrea Lamont, music therapy coordinator, Holland Bloorview, 2000 – present.
Client at a music therapy session
Tending to the Future
More one-to-one-staff, evolving training and equipment, and a better understanding of the value of arts in hospital and rehabilitation settings, have aided our arts, music and play programming to grow significantly since the days of The Wheelchair Players and the opening of Spiral Garden. Together, we continue to steward the garden of therapeutic modalities available at Holland Bloorview and we look forward to how our offerings will continue to bud and blossom in the years to come.
Left: Spiral Garden then, 1984. Right: Spiral Garden now, 2023.
Do you have a special memory from our Spiral Garden? We’d love for you to share it with us! Please post a photo or a brief recount of your experience here.
Do you have a special memory from our Spiral Garden? We’d love for you to share it with us! Please post a photo or a brief recount of your experience here.