Medical Clown Project

The Medical Clown Project is a nonprofit organization operating in the San Francisco Bay Area, committed to providing therapeutic medical clowning services to patients of all ages, their families, and caregivers. The organization is dedicated to leveraging the power of play and humor to reduce fear and anxiety, while enhancing patients' strength and motivation to cope with illness.

History and Activities

Founded over a decade ago, the Medical Clown Project was inspired by similar initiatives such as the Clown Care Unit. Its medical clowns undergo extensive training and have a minimum of five years of professional experience in clowning. They utilize expressive therapies like magic, music, improvisation, and puppetry to connect with patients in hospital settings, including patient rooms, intensive care units, and waiting rooms[1].

Mission and Commitment

The Medical Clown Project prioritizes racial equity, gender inclusion, and diversity, both within its organization and in the populations it serves. It actively engages diverse communities, including indigenous people, communities of color, and immigrant groups, offering services in both in-person and virtual formats to reach healthcare audiences with limited access to theater[2][3].

Leadership and Structure

The organization is shifting towards a distributive matrix structure, moving away from hierarchical leadership. This shift empowers Team Leader Artists to directly manage relationships with facilities while a Managing Director coordinates overall strategy with the Board of Directors[2].

Impact and Recognition

The Medical Clown Project has been recognized for its significant impact on patients, including those with dementia who have shown marked improvements in communication. Its services also support healthcare providers and community center staff by offering relief through humor and art[1][3].

Operations and Funding

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Medical Clown Project relies on donations to fund its operations and continue providing therapeutic services to communities in need[4][5].

[1] https://festival.si.edu/2017/circus-arts/medical-clown-project/smithsonian [2] https://medicalclownproject.org/our-racial-equity-statement/ [3] https://arts.ca.gov/grantee/medical-clown-project-2/ [4] https://www.medicalclownproject.org/donate [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-3281016