Major artworks by four Australian artists have been selected to feature throughout the $440 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, designed to enhance patient, visitors and staff experiences.
Artists Glenn Barkley, Antonia Pesenti, Claire Foxton and Nastia Gladushchenko will join previously announced artists Lara Merrett and Kirli Saunders OAM to deliver a series of integrated artworks for the new 7-storey acute services building across public spaces, as well the Paediatric treatment rooms and Mental Health Unit.
The new artworks will complement the modern and expanded hospital services being delivered as part of the redevelopment, creating environments that support recovery and wellbeing for patients, staff and visitors.
The selection of the final four artists marks a key milestone for the project, completing the full artist cohort for the redevelopment’s Arts in Health program.
During early consultation for the project, staff identified the need for an outdoor space where they could connect with family during breaks and seek respite in nature.
Sydney and Shoalhaven-based artist Glenn Barkley will develop Skiesful/Treesful, a sandstone garden sculpture that will provide an outdoor space for rest and connection. The artwork will be a local collaboration, using Shoalhaven-sourced sandstone and developed with BirdLife Shoalhaven and students of the Aboriginal Cultural Arts Program at Bomaderry TAFE.
Shoalhaven-raised designer, illustrator and architect Antonia Pesenti has created vibrant artworks in the hospital spaces for young people, which will transform treatment rooms into imaginative settings inspired by the region’s landscape and wildlife.
A 23-metre long mural by artists Claire Foxton and Nastia Gladushchenko will feature at the Shoalhaven Street hospital entrance, which will create a striking entry to welcome staff and visitors.
These artists join Kirli Saunders OAM, who has worked with community to develop an artwork inspired by the large blackbutt tree in the Hospital grounds, and artist Lara Merrett, who has created artwork with staff and community for the new Mental Health Unit.
The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment will integrate art into healthcare infrastructure, recognising the important role creativity plays in supporting recovery, wellbeing and dignity. Artists are commissioned through a selection process with advice from local stakeholders and guidance from the Shoalhaven Redevelopment Arts Working Group.
Construction of the new Acute Services Building is expected to be completed later this year. Artists are currently working with the project team to design and construct artworks ready for installation.
