RED NOSES International

The organisation

RED NOSES International, founded in 1994 in Austria, is an international non-profit organization dedicated to improving mental health and emotional well-being through healthcare clowning. Active in 11 countries our professionally trained artists engage with children in hospitals, older adults, children with disabilities, and persons experiencing displacement. Through arts, play, and humour, RED NOSES nurtures emotional well-being, supportive social connections, and creative empowerment. We work closely with medical staff, caregivers, and communities to create positive, supportive care environments. Additionally, RED NOSES advocates for greater access to play, art, and humour, aiming to influence policy and expand emotional care for people facing life challenges. 

Main activities

RED NOSES International main activities are:  

Co-create Quality Healthcare Clowning Interventions 

RED NOSES clowns form joyful and hopeful connections with audiences, creating a sense of renewed perspective. Our professional trained clown artists bridge cultural and language barriers, normalize mistakes, and turn challenges into moments of acceptance and self-confidence.  

Research and Learn About Healthcare Clowning 

We promote reflection and learning within our organization and with our audiences to enhance the impact and quality of our work. Using participatory methods, our research activities bring together diverse perspectives. We partner with academic and medical institutions for studies to build a rich scientific foundation on the benefits of our work. 

Share Knowledge and Skills 

Our seminars and workshops highlight the benefits of creativity, humour, and play for health and care professionals, contributing to improved patient care. By exchanging expertise with other healthcare clowning organizations and engaging with cultural networks, we promote best practices in arts for health. 

Collaborate and Advocate for Change 

RED NOSES collaborates with institutions, networks, and decision-makers to highlight the importance of mental health and the integration of arts, play, and humour into health and care systems. Through strategic partnerships, we address needs, propose solutions, and advocate for supportive, sustainable change. 

Main Priorities

Our main priorities are to support the mental health of individuals in vulnerable situations and foster healthier emotional states, stronger social connections, and increased self-confidence. By working closely with health and care staff, we aim to enhance both their well-being and playful communication skills, ensuring a more empathetic and effective approach to mental health care. Through collaboration and advocacy, we promote systemic change by integrating art, humour, and play into health and social care, making these essential tools accessible, inclusive and valued in care settings. 

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