Applications are now being sought from artists, especially those with an affinity with nature, to become an artist in residence in the Women and Children’s Unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

The post, which is for 9 months, follows a creative history in the unit which has already seen Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank and Hello Kitty stickers replaced with colourful imagery drawn directly from the woodland surrounding the hospital. The new commission will also be based on a number of key words, such as environment, organic transformation, social togetherness, sensitivity and long-term engagement, and colour schemes in the areas are pastel tones of blue, green and lavender.

NHS Forth Valley Director for Women and Children’s services, Gillian Morton, explained: “We are really excited by the scope of this project. We have identified several spaces where we hope to see colour and creativity, including the corridor outside maternity ultrasound, the waiting area next to the labour ward and the waiting area at reception in the main Women and Children’s building which is separate from the main hospital.

“The designs in our children’s ward, which cover walls and doorways have gone down a storm. We’ve seen kids run out of the lift and say “wow, we want that in our bedroom”. To see a reaction like this is great and we just want to make the Unit a better place to get well in so this is the thinking behind the latest step in our creative journey.”

Kevin Harrison, Director of Artlink Central who are co-ordinating the project added: “Because of the variety of areas undergoing a makeover it’s important that, although the theme and style will need to be kept coherent and flow across the wards, the interpretation, mood, colour choice, and elements featured will require a level of flexibility and a sensitive adaptation to the type of services being provided in each specific space.”

“The residency will provide an opportunity to create work that is truly embedded in the spirit and daily dynamics of the Unit, welcoming contributions from staff and patients, and ideally working collaboratively with the wider community, including a local high school.”

The deadline for applications is Monday 31st May 2021 and the selected artist will expect to begin work on 5th July 2021.

For further information, please contact the NHS Art Coordinators (Kevin Harrison or Silvia Sinibaldi) at Artlink Central by emailing info@artlinkcentral.org