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Lakeland, FL — The Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine (AIM) program has received $7000 in grant funding from the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance, an agency that promotes the arts as an integral contributor to the quality of life in our community.
The funding will allow AIM to continue in their mission of empowering cancer patients and their caregivers through the healing power of creative expression, and to fund two ambitious upcoming projects: the Legacy Lane project and Arts and Health Week.
Scheduled to premiere this summer, the Legacy Lane Project is a photography exhibition that will spotlight the strength and resilience of cancer survivors through stunning images and deeply personal stories. The photographs will be displayed in the AIM Studio at the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center located at 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland.
The second project is the Arts and Health Week taking place from November 3 – 9, 2025. This special observance was initiated from a special proclamation by the City of Lakeland and debuted last year as part a national initiative with the Arts for Everybody campaign in conjunction with the National League of Cities. AIM will spearhead multiple activities during the week that promote community engagement in the arts and its role in promoting improved outcomes for cancer patients.
“The Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance is remarkable organization that understands the power of the arts in nurturing a vibrant and thriving community,” said Arts in Medicine Program Coordinator Tiffany Van Wieren. “The generous grant funding they have provided our program will elevate the health and spirits of so many in need throughout our community and beyond.”
For more information on the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance, visit PolkArts.org. For additional information on the Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine program, and to learn how you can volunteer your time and talents to the cause, visit WatsonClinic.com/AIM or call 863-603-4718.
ABOUT THE WATSON CLINIC FOUNDATION ARTS IN MEDICINE PROGRAM: Housed in the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center at 1730 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland, the Watson Clinic Foundation’s Arts in Medicine program offers all forms of the expressive arts - including creative activities such as watercolor painting, origami, and mosaics - for cancer patients, caregivers and family members at the Watson Clinic Cancer & Research Center. Research shows that these creative outlets reduce anxiety, and create an environment that is more conducive to healing. For more information, visit www.WatsonClinic.com/AIM.
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