Gold Coast Health Paediatric Ward and Child and Youth Mental Health Services consumers will have access to a series of mobile and drop in art workshops led by local emerging artist and advocate Hayley Stanich (pictured).
Hayley secured funding to deliver the workshops through the Queensland Youth Week Community Event Grants program, which invited young Queenslanders aged 12–25 to apply for funding to design and deliver impactful community events.
As a young person with lived experience in the healthcare system, she is passionate about creating opportunities for expression, connection and empowerment in clinical environments.
“Creating became my lifeline during an overwhelming time,” she said. “My art brought me glimmers of hope and calm, helping me hold on to something positive when my world felt heavy.”
A key element of Hayley’s creative practice is her fascination with colour and its emotional impact.
“I’m really inspired by colour psychology,” she said.
“Through colour, I aim to make art that leaves people feeling good.” By inviting young people to explore colour, pattern and shapes, she hopes the workshops will support self-expression, confidence and connection.
Hayley believes art plays a vital role in healthcare settings, acting as a bridge between young people and the people supporting them.
“Art speaks to us, and allows us to speak, in ways that go beyond words,” she said. “In healthcare settings, art making can help young people communicate their thoughts and feelings in a safe and personalised way.
“Experiencing art in clinical spaces can also lift mood, provide comfort, and reduce anxiety. Whether it’s in waiting rooms or wards, it can help create a calmer, more supportive environment. When artwork is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the people who use these spaces, it can transform them into places of compassion, inspiration, and hope.”
At the heart of the project is a commitment to amplifying youth voices.
“No one understands young people better than young people themselves,” Hayley said.
“Artmaking is one way they can share their voices and be seen, heard and valued on their own terms.”
Through this Youth Week initiative, young people are not only creating art - they’re shaping a shared story of connection, imagination and hope. The workshops will culminate in a co created artwork to be displayed at Gold Coast Health, as a lasting reminder of the creativity of the young people who made it.
