A dedicated “Arts Care Gallery Space” and City of Culture “Gifted Project” have been launched in the South Wing of Alnagelvin Hospital in Derry.
Western Trust Arts Care Artist Bronagh Corr-McNicholl, who is responsible for the hospital gallery, will present an annual programme of innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions of artworks, created by service users and healthcare staff.
Professional artists will also have the opportunity to showcase their work in this unique gallery space.
Judy Houlahan, Arts Care Committee Chairperson and Head of Secondary Care for the Western Trust said the aim of the initiative was to provide an important, creative place of respite within the hospital that would also enhance the clinical environment and create a positive arts engagement experience for service users, healthcare staff and visitors within an acute healthcare setting.
Ms Houlahan added: “We are delighted to welcome the work of Julien Friers as the first professional artist one-man show at the Arts Care Gallery Space in Altnagelvin Hospital. Julian’s exhibition will form part of the official launch of the Hospital’s Art Gallery. His work will also be displayed as part of the launch of ‘The Gifted Project’, a project initiated by Culture Company 2013 to support the showcasing of work by emerging and established artists.”
Noelle McAlinden, speaking on behalf the Culture Company and The London Street Gallery commented; “The intention of ‘The Gifted Project’ is to exhibit work by gifted people in places where you wouldn’t necessarily exhibit artwork. We are delighted that Julian Frier’s has gifted his exhibition of such precious pieces of key cultural champions for all to enjoy.”
Artist-in-residence, Brónagh Corr-McNicholl Western Trust, welcomed this joint launch partnership with ‘The Gifted Project’ and said she looked forward to future exhibitions in the new gallery space for the city.
Dr Jenny Elliott, Chief Executive of Arts Care expressed her gratitude on behalf of the organisation to Western Trust Chief Executive, Elaine Way; Arts Care Committee Chairperson, Judy Houlahan and to Trevor McCarter and Estates Services for offering their support to the development of a gallery space in Altnagelvin Hospital.
Dr Elliott said: “The gallery will not only contribute to making the hospital environment a less intimidating place but that research demonstrates that artwork integrated into the environment plays an active part in enhancing the well-being of staff, visitors and service users.”
She concluded: “I am in no doubt that this new gallery space will prove an important arts and well-being legacy for the city as the City of Culture year draws to a close.”
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