Onward Arts is the permanent arts programme for our hospitals, and is funded by BSUH Charity. From May this year, the charity also provided funding for an Arts Project Manager to coordinate this work, focusing on improving existing healthcare environments and the wellbeing of staff through arts engagement.
One of the projects the new coordinator has helped to deliver is the
refurbishment of the chapel space at The Princess Royal Hospital. Over £8k of charity funds have been spent on modernising the chapel, to enhance the room and create a multipurpose space.
The addition of a new green carpet, forest wall mural, new plants and sage green furniture have all helped to bring the outside in, enhancing the air of tranquillity in the room. New prayer mats have also been installed at the Muslim Prayer Room on site.
Joanna Elliot, Lead Chaplain at Royal Sussex County and Princess Royal Hospitals: “The aspiration was to create a space that was different from the rest of the hospital, a calming place that could be used to reflect and recharge. We wanted to create a chapel and rest space together. The room has a dual purpose – to fit the different needs within a hospital setting. This is a space that is open to everyone, and the reaction has been really positive.”
Thank you to the following people, for their wonderful leadership and work in bringing this to life:
- Joann Elliott – Lead Chaplain
- Susan Anson – Chaplain
- Joe Laffan – artist and member of staff – who created amazing knitted artwork for the space
- Sue Ashe, Interior Designer – who donated her time which was invaluable to this project
- Olivia Mallet, staff member – who helped with all of the bespoke purchases
- Erin Burns, artist, Onward Arts Project Manager
