Patients, staff and volunteers have been brushing up on their painting skills at Foss Park Hospital – a state-of-the-art mental health hospital and research space in York.
A new mural has been created on Minster Ward, as part of the Foss Park Creative project, inspired by what patients see as reflecting their ideas of sanctuary.
The artwork will eventually form part of a wider exhibition on the same theme, to be staged at the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) hospital later this year.
“The mural really has the wow factor. It is wonderful, inspiring and very uplifting,” said Dr Liz Herring, North Yorkshire & York Adult Mental Health General Manager for TEWV.
Working in partnership to create art
Foss Park has been working with York-based arts organisation Converge since 2021, to create rolling exhibitions in the main reception area – including visual and performing arts.
Converge also provides courses for adults who use mental health services, with most held at York St John University and taught by people with expertise or lived experience of mental ill health.
“It is a true pleasure to be in partnership with Converge. The continued scale of the artwork at Foss Park, and its achievement to connect with our patients, is just amazing,” said Liz.
“Our work with Converge is not only making our hospital brighter and more welcoming, but there is a significant benefit to the well-being of our patients and staff as well.”
Sanctuary inspires new exhibition
The new mural will play a starring role in the next exhibition planned by Converge, which will feature work by photography students from York St John on the theme of Sanctuary.
Fine Art students from the university, as well as artists from Converge, will draw on their talents to help lift the spirits of patients, staff and visitors with their skills over the festive period.
“The new mural was based on ideas from patients and the artwork was created by patients, staff and volunteers,” said Lucy Coleman, Converge Foss Park Arts and Music Coordinator.
“It is important that we all work together. By bringing the arts into the hospital, it helps bring in a bit of the outside – and allows people to express themselves in different ways.
“In some ways art can help change the landscape of the hospital, make it a little less clinical, which makes it more comfortable, I think. Everyone had a great time making the mural.”
