Artists recruited for new Southmead Hospital

2 September 2010

Internationally acclaimed and local artists have been appointed to deliver art commissions for the new £430m Southmead Private Finance Initiative (PFI) development in Bristol. These form part of the major arts programme developed by Willis Newson in partnership with PFI developer Carillon, North Bristol NHS Trust and Fresh Arts.

The public art programme follows on from an art strategy produced by Willis Newson in 2007.  Firmly rooted in the local context, it will explore the idea of community within the site. Art commissions and projects will enhance the landscape and the hospital environment as a whole and support way finding. Plans include major landmark commissions for permanent integrated artworks in both internal and external spaces as well as other artworks and features. Various spaces will be developed for use as ongoing creative resources and public engagement and outreach programmes will involve local schools and community groups.

Willis Newson has been working with Theresa Bergne of Field Art Projects to research and co-ordinate the artist recruitment process for this project.

Southmead Hospital is a super hospital for Bristol being developed by the NHS Trust and PFI developers Carillion. The hospital is an 800 bed acute hospital being built on the existing Southmead site and is due to open its doors to patients in 2014.