Our visual arts council is working to incorporate the visual arts into our healthcare settings and environment for the therapeutic and holistic benefit of our patients, visitors and staff.
The variety of form and brilliancy of colour in the objects presented to patients are an actual means of recovery.
– Florence Nightingale, 1888
The council was formed in 2025 after the University Hospitals Tees group recognised the need and benefits of having local visual arts championed and on display within our healthcare settings.
The council will work to establish the visual arts within our group and to use artworks to transform its healthcare buildings and services with the organisation of exhibitions, commissions and the display of artwork from local professional artists.
Art installations within our healthcare setting will provide a welcome distraction for patients and will improve our healthcare environment. There is a wealth of evidence which shows that art:
- enhances the patients experience when visiting and staying within our hospitals
- can help to reduce patient stress and improve immune response
- improves mental health and wellbeing for patients, visitors and staff
- makes walls and spaces feel less clinical and more homely and welcoming
- aids wayfinding around the hospital
- allows us to work with and celebrate our local artists
Get in touch
If you would like further information, or are interested in contributing, please contact our visual arts council at [email protected]