In 1992, a group of ambitious artists came together with the goal of creating an affordable, specialized health care facility for artists in Toronto. The Artists’ Health Alliance (AHA) was soon formed as a non-profit, charitable organization to realize and support this vision.  
 
Through endless hard work and unabated determination, the AHA’s vision was manifested three-fold with the creation of:

  • The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre at the Toronto Western Hospital
  • The Joysanne Sidimus Fund subsidy in support of artists’ care at the Artists’ Health Centre
  • The Christine Ardagh Seminar Series, part of a multitude of ongoing educational programs focused on artists’ health and wellbeing.

It is certainly with mixed emotions that we officially announce the winding down of the AHA operations after more than 20 dynamic, fulfilling and rewarding years. We have been honoured and privileged to work with and support the vibrant artist community in Toronto and see our passion reflected back in your unwavering support for our vision and mission.
 
It is that unwavering support that has allowed us to achieve our mission successfully. The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre is a touchstone of the artists’ community, providing accessible, innovative and integrative health care to hundreds of artists each year. The Joysanne Sidimus Fund has made that specialized health care affordable to hundreds more low-income and emerging artists. The Christine Ardagh Seminar Series and our relevant and informative educational programs have tackled issues specific to artists’ health and wellbeing through workshops, clinical education, artistic expression, research and community partnerships. In fact, eight animators from our “Animating Artists’ Health” program this year will have their work shown at the upcoming Rendezvous with Madness festival this fall. 
 
Although the AHA operations are winding down, the Joysanne Sidimus Fund will continue under the management of The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre. And of course, artists will still be able to access the same level of care and services through The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre they have come to rely upon.

For details about the Joysanne Sidimus Fund subsidy and the process for applying, please click HERE   
 
Information about The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre, its services, the referral process and additional program information can be found HERE

For any direct inquires, questions or assistance regarding The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre and/or the Joysanne Sidimus Fund, please contact Coordinator Matt Eldridge directly:
 
Matt Eldridge, MSW, RSW
Coordinator, The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre
Toronto Western Hospital, 3rd Floor West Wing
P: 416-603-5800, x 5887
F: 416-603-5821
[email protected]
 
All that is left to say is a sincerest thank you. Your belief in our vision, mission and ongoing hard work kept us on track to reach our goals. The Al and Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre is the living legacy of that work and determination. The collective passion that we fostered and shared enables us to close this chapter knowing confidently that, together, we have made an enduring impact in the lives of so many artists and the community where they live and create.