Artists’ work to feature in new Shoalhaven Hospital

Six artists have been engaged to create artworks for key areas of the new seven-storey Acute Services Building.

Glenn Barkley, Antonia Pesenti, Claire Foxton, Nastia Gladushchenko, Lara Merrett and Kirli Saunders OAM have created integrated artworks which will feature in areas including public spaces, paediatric treatment rooms and the Mental Health Unit.

During early consultation, staff identified the need for an outdoor space where they could connect with family during breaks and find respite in nature. Designed as a place for rest and connection, Skiesful/Treesful is a sandstone sculpture by artist Glenn Barkley that will be installed near the large blackbutt tree in the hospital garden. Glenn has been working closely with local community members and students from the Aboriginal Cultural Arts Program at Bomaderry TAFE (pictured) to create the artwork, which will be installed in the coming months.

Developed through community consultation and guided by the Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital Redevelopment Arts Working Group, the program recognises the important role creativity plays in modern healthcare design and the benefits of arts in health for patients, staff and visitors.