#100NHSROOMS
Haroon Mirza; Save 1, Save 2, Save 3, 2020; chiffon, polyurethane and chalk pen on photovoltaic cells; edition of 3; Courtesy of hrm199
Browse the #100NHSROOMS collection
In response to the Covid-19 crisis, Barts Health NHS Trust has been upgrading existing Staff Rooms and creating new areas in which clinical staff can find rest and respite. The Trust turned to Vital Arts to enhance these spaces with contemporary artwork to support staff wellbeing. Aligning with these developments, #100NHSRooms was launched as a charitably funded initiative to bring new artworks to 100 rooms across all our hospitals.
Vital Arts has collaborated with east London based artist Shezad Dawood and Modern Forms on this project to further our ongoing mission to support the wellbeing of both patients and hospital employees through the arts.
Shezad Dawood; Nets (Chequerboard), Nets (Patchwork), Nets (Rainbow), 2020; Courtesy of the Artist
With mounting evidence demonstrating the benefits of art on mental health in clinical settings, the initiative will be a lasting legacy of a commitment to the wellbeing of NHS frontline workers.
The project responds to the current pandemic, but the impact of the artworks will extend beyond it, recognising the adverse effects of intense pressure on staff and promoting the importance of an enhanced environment for reflection and calm.
Clinical colleagues familiar with the projects previously delivered by Vital Arts have expressed appreciation. Dr. Philippa Kaina, Core Medical Trainee working within Barts Health, says:
“It’s great that staff are being supported through the therapeutic and healing potential of art since the pandemic has brought a period of stress and uncertainty for us all. The visually inspiring spaces for staff to rest and recuperate will certainly be very much appreciated and are sure to have a positive impact on our collective wellbeing.”
Dr. Ian Basnett, Public Health Director at Barts Health NHS Trust, states:
“Art allows our minds to travel to different places, which is particularly important during stressful times. Our staff have been fantastic during this pandemic, and they will appreciate that this charitable initiative has been able to secure artwork for so many staff rooms where they will find rest and respite.”
Yelena Popova; Currents 3, Currents 2, Currents 1, 2016; Watercolour on watercolour paper; Courtesy of the Artist
Donating artists to date include: Mania Akbari & Douglas White; Charles Avery; Shiraz Bayjoo; Rana Begum; Victor Burgin; Matthew Burrows; Oliver Chanarin; Jake and Dinos Chapman; Shezad Dawood; Jeremy Deller & Fraser Muggeridge; Eloise Fornieles; Gaia Fugazza; Margarita Gluzberg; Anne Hardy; Diango Hernández; Henry Hudson; Harminder Singh Judge; Peter Liversidge; Lakwena Maciver; Marta Marcé; Haroon Mirza; Annie Morris; Yelena Popova; Yinka Shonibare; Shaan Syed; Conrad Shawcross; Grantchester Pottery; Barbara Walker; Mark Wallinger; and Catherine Yass.
Diango Hernandez; Horizonte Amor 1, 5 and 4; Pigment print on paper; ©Diango Hernandez
Working together, Vital Arts, Shezad Dawood and Modern Forms appealed to a sense of solidarity amongst artists in gathering these donations. A large proportion of participants live within the east London area that the hospitals serve, which has long been a hub of the city’s art scene.
As such, #100NHSRooms demonstrates the strength of community, channelling a desire amongst multinational artists to open a meaningful dialogue with their NHS neighbours and to convey their profound gratitude.
Conrad Shawcross; Beatrice Spline, Mira Spline, and Tamara Spline, 2014; Digital Print on 255gsm Somerset Velvet paper; Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro London/Venice
The #100NHSRooms initiative has been realised largely through donations and voluntary work, manifesting the culture of generosity in the arts community. Catsou Roberts, Director of Vital Arts, says:
“It has been a rich and fruitful collaboration with Modern Forms and the artist Shezad Dawood, who has been a driving force behind the project. Vital Arts is deeply grateful to all participating artists for giving multiple works – many made especially for the project. We are indebted to Simon Beaugie for kindly donating frames and framing services, and to Pelham Communications for providing PR support pro bono. We are keen to bring enriching artwork directly to our clinical colleagues – in those areas, and during this moment – when they might need it most. I believe these artworks will offer comfort and inspiration and convey the respect we hold for frontline staff during this difficult time.”
Henry Hudson; iPad Dreams 5, 4 and 2, 2020; Suite of ten digital prints on Hahnemuhle Smooth Photo Rag 308gsm, © Henry Hudson.jpeg
