Miami-based Jackson Health System will unveil its new rehabilitation hospital in March, which will include a $400,000 cat sculpture that has a functional purpose, according to the Miami Herald.
The abstract sculpture called "The Cat" by Swiss artist Olaf Breuning is being paid for with taxes and bond dollars through a program called Art in Public Places. It will be in an "activity garden" outside of the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center. Patients regaining their strength will be able to use pedals and steps affixed to the sculpture as part of their therapy, according to the report.
"The Cat will be a big heavy sculpture, hopefully visually interesting, but also help patients to get better," Mr. Breuning said in an email to the Miami Herald. "I like the idea of an art work with a possible impact on its surrounding and the people in it."
A Jackson Health spokesperson told the Miami Herald that the "The Cat" and other artwork planned for installation will help it stay competitive with other hospitals in South Florida that feature art in their facilities.
Access the full Miami Herald article here.