The CONNECT Waiting Rooms photography project involves 4 photography commission projects. These will create work for 37 new waiting rooms in the redeveloped hospital.
The 4 themes chosen for the photography programme of CONNECT are Sussex, South Downs, Brighton and Coast. This will underline a sense of place for the hospital, connecting patients and the local environment.
Lead Photographer Announced
The Trust, Willis Newson, Photoworks and the University of Brighton are working in partnership to deliver this major photographic project. In a joint statement the partnership organisations say:
“These commissions will play an important role within this world-class health facility. They will help provide a positive environment that will complement the exceptional medical care patients can expect. The commissions will help to maximise patient recovery and significantly improve the waiting experience for patients, staff, visitors and carers for many years to come. They offer an exciting opportunity for photographers to connect not only with the large numbers of people within the hospital, but also with diverse communities across Sussex. This is an investment that will genuinely improve the care environment for everyone and help foster a sense of pride in the hospital.”
The partners are delighted to announce that internationally recognised photographer, Helen Sear, has been selected for the major photography commission. This will take the theme of Sussex as a starting point for the creation of a new series of works.
Helen Sear, who represented Wales at the 25th Venice Biennale, says
“This commission will be an exciting and challenging opportunity for me to extend and explore the emotional influence of images within a truly public context, and to work alongside experts from the field of medicine, hospital communities and architectural environments. I lived and worked in Sussex for three years. I’m looking forward to revisiting & rediscovering the county.”
Photography Commission Opportunities
A call for entries for the three remaining photography commission opportunities of Brighton, Coast and South Downs, each offering a fee of £6,400, is now open until 1 November 2017.
The commissioning partners seek proposals for the creation of stimulating images for the enjoyment of staff, patients and visitors using the waiting areas for many years to come -– work which will become a source of contemplation and pleasure during potential times of stress, distress or discomfort. Clinical research shows enhancing the hospital environment has a positive effect on reducing patient and visitor anxiety, helping the recovery process and reducing the need for pain relief medication.
The partners envisage these commissions resulting in photographic projects that go beyond a direct documentary response, conveying instead an experience and understanding of the spirit of place, gained through research of relevant localities and by developing relationships with local communities/groups.
How to Apply
Applications are open to photographers nationally and are particularly encouraged from photographers with a connection to Sussex.
For information on how to apply, please see Photoworks website.
