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This project was a programme of contemporary public art for the New Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. The artists involved worked with the hospital community of staff, visitors and patients through a series of artist placements. The resulting work is realised through two projects evident throughout the hospital. The first is the Mapping project concerned with visual orientation within the hospital. The second is concerned with the making of place and is titled, “The Sanctuary”: a dedicated non-denominational space for the whole hospital community.

Artists

• Donald Urquhart (Sanctuary Lead artists – Concept & paintings)
• Chris MacFarlane (Sanctuary glass candleholders)
• Douglas Chatham (Sanctuary handheld crosses)
• Tim Stott (Sanctuary Screens)
• P Johnson & Co. (Sanctuary Cross, Lectern & Candleholders)
• Woodschool Ltd (Sanctuary seating)
• George Muhleck (Mapping)
• Samantha Clark (Mapping)
• Shauna McMullan (Mapping)

Project mangaged through Tom Littlewood of Ginkgo Design.

Funding

SAC Award amount

£92,486.00

Project total cost

£173,750.00

Funding purpose

Towards the cost of introducing contemporary art in a new hospital promoting orientation and developing a sense of place.

(Please note dates and details correct at time of award.)

Consultation & Commissioning Process

During the research and concept stage of the commissioning process artists spent time in the hospital meeting with patients, staff, visitors and volunteer groups in order to gain insight into the everyday aspects of being in a hospital for different people. This consultation underpinned the subsequent proposals and artwork.

Shortlisted proposals were put on public display within the hospital informing the community of the activity of the arts programme.

The commissioning process for this project had two stages: a brief was prepared for an initial research and concept phase, and then a second brief prepared for the realisation and implementation phase.

Artists were selected following an open competition and interview process. The selection committee consisted of the project’s Arts Committee with individuals from the WRVS and Hospital Volunteers also making contributions.

Outcomes

Mapping & Orientation Project:

• cast texts inscribed into the fabric of the building
• series of split stones placed in specially created niches throughout hospital corridors
• series of lightboxes within corridors

The Sanctuary Project:

• A public but private space incorporating handcrafted furniture, glass, and contemplative artefacts