Open call for a commission to produce 2D digital work in response to the Dorset Sunflower Trail. The resulting work will be displayed on the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Dorset County Hospital.

Arts in Hospital (AIH) is a small, charitable organisation based at Dorset County Hospital. We aim to enhance the healing environment, raise patients' spirits and give pleasure to all who are concerned with their welfare.

Our core objectives are to support patients and staff through therapeutic art projects that have medical and social benefits, engage the wider community in creative projects based on health and well-being outcomes, plus programme temporary exhibitions and maintain a permanent collection of life affirming artwork shown throughout the hospital and satellite facilities, to create a healing environment.

SCBU is a small, busy, friendly unit located opposite the Maternity Unit in East Wing. There are approximately 250 babies admitted each year.

The babies they care for are either premature (from approximately 32 weeks onwards) or unwell. The unit is very understanding of what an emotional time it can be for parents, and they try very hard to support the families as much as possible.

The Brief

We would like to commission an artist to design 2D work that will decorate the walls of SCBU. Due to the nature of the space, the designs need to be created digitally, then reproduced on vinyl and professionally installed with as little disruption as possible.

Images will need to be supplied as high res images, any illustrations that require contour cutting will need to be supplied as Vector files. AIH will facilitate the production and installation.

The designs are to be inspired by the Dorset Sunflower Trail who are long term supporters of the Dorset County Hospital Charity, and particularly SCBU. Money from their fundraising is enabling this project.

The trail has a fantastic relationship with local artists due to their established community engagement, so we imagine applicants will be familiar it.

The selected artist will be expected to conduct a days’ worth of engagement with staff and the parents of patients in order to incorporate their input. It is best if this can be split into 2 or 3 visits to engage with as many as possible.

Body of work

The resulting body of work will become the property of Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and will be accessioned into the Hospital’s Art Collection as a digital asset. This will enable us to reproduce elements of the design, should they become damaged or worn.

The Arts in Hospital manager is available to facilitate the delivery of this project. And will be your contact throughout the project.

Who is this opportunity for?

Artists/creatives working in 2D living or working within the Dorset County Hospital catchment and who have ideas for interpreting an eye catching and professional addition to our collection, using the given theme.

Fee:

The total fee is £2000, to include all materials, travel and accommodation costs – there are no additional expenses available. Successful applicants are expected to make all their own travel and accommodation arrangements if necessary.

This fee does not include the price of production or installation, this will be paid by for separately.

Key dates:

Deadline for applications: Midnight Tuesday 6th May

Shortlist selection W/C Monday 12th May

Interviews: W/C Monday 19th May for 3 shortlisted candidates

Notification of outcome: W/C 19th May 

The selected artist will be expected to produce work one month following their confirmed appointment, by Monday 30th June

Installation:  W/C Monday 7th July

For more information

Visit https://dchartsinhospital.org.uk/ for more information on our 35 year history.

We aim to document the project and add the selected applicants' work to our website and collection.