News

The sanctuary at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children has been given a colourful facelift featuring artwork created by its patients following a residency by young artist Phoebe Roze.

Commissioned in partnership by Impact Arts and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, Phoebe, 21, worked with 50 children resident at the hospital to revamp the space following storytelling and arts workshops.

The sanctuary – which offers a place for peace and contemplation to children and families – was transformed following a consultation process involving staff, volunteers, children, young people and patients’ families.

Phoebe’s workshops led to the creation of prints, drawings and collages, which were then scanned and enlarged for vinyl panels and attached to walls.

Previously a blank space, the aim of the project was to create a more welcoming environment for those who use the sanctuary.

As well as being a place for contemplation, it will now be used for training and community events, including mindfulness classes and baby yoga.

Phoebe, a recent graduate of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone University, says it was important that the refurbishment included the children’s own artwork.

“It’s amazing for me – but the best part is that it’s the kids’ work on the wall.

“They are the most important part of the hospital and kids’ art is so strange and imaginative. The fact that they have contributed 90% of what is up there is hopefully very special for the kids, the parents, the staff and volunteers.”

“Having your child in the hospital is obviously a traumatic experience, and that is why it was so important to make the sanctuary a calming, inviting and positive space.”

Rev. Jim Meighan, the chaplain of the Royal Hospital for Children, says the artwork has already made a dramatic change.

“The sanctuary is important for everybody who uses the hospital – patients, families and staff. It’s a place where people can take a breather from the hustle and bustle.

“There are people using the sanctuary that haven’t been previously, and that’s all to do with the artwork on the wall.

“We wanted people to claim the space as their own – and the artwork has already achieved that.

Kirsten Sinclair, Director of Fundraising at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said:

“The artwork that Phoebe has created with the help of the children and their families is beautiful. It totally transforms the space, and makes the entrance to the Sanctuary feel so warm and welcoming”.

This project was part of Impact Arts’ commissioned work, which involves professional artists in creating public artwork for community settings. If you are interested in commissioning us to complete a piece of work, please contact our Head of Development Carrie Manning on 0141 575 3001 or email carrie.manning@impactarts.co.uk.