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University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

4. everyone with kingfisher 1

The beginning of a new art trail was unveiled at the entrance to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on Wednesday 29 October. As part of a unique collaboration between Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD), a team of AUB students designed two original nine-metre-long murals for the new Royal Bournemouth Hospital building, a key part of the NHS Trust’s £500 million transformation programme.

The murals form part of our Art Space initiative which aims to create a welcoming environment for patients, visitors and staff at our hospitals. The student's vibrant, colourful artwork have transformed the space with an uplifting visual experience.

Taking six months to design, the two murals were created by BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design students at AUB — Emily Bishop, Yulia Klajnscek, Rhea Hackwell, and Olivia Greatrex — under the creative direction of recent Interior Architecture graduate, also from AUB, Lenya Hulford-Greig.

Each design draws on natural themes and local wildlife to bring colour, energy, and a sense of connection to nature into the hospital environment. The first installation, the Emerging Kingfisher, celebrates themes of nature, resilience, and renewal, echoing the values that underpin care and recovery within the healthcare environment.
“The kingfisher artwork was inspired by the birds that visit the lake at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.” Lenya explains, “Kingfishers are considered lucky birds, representing beauty and grace.  
“We added photographs of the forest and seascapes into the bird’s wings, which were taken by hospital staff. This artwork was made to give visitors a moment of calm while moving through the hospital.
1.students with diorama cropped 1“The second design, the Dorset Diorama, gives a new twist to traditional dioramas by layering famous landmarks and features from across Dorset in a panoramic experience evoking a sense of comfort and belonging, helping people feel connected to the local area.”

Laura Joy, Arts Manager at University Hospitals Dorset, commented, “This collaboration demonstrates the positive impact of creative partnerships between education and healthcare, enriching public spaces while offering emerging artists the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to their community. It is hoped that this projectwill be an annual event - funding permitting - partnering with local emerging artists and education providers.

 

“The mural costs were supported by the NHS Trust build budget for the new hospital building and the Arts Manager role was funded by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, which provides all 'extras' above NHS treatment in the hospital to make it more welcoming for staff, patients and visitors alike.”

 

Click here to find out more about the AUB project.

Art Space is funded by our UHD Charity. Click here to find out more about our UHD art strategy, including community art projects like this one and our on-site exhibition spaces.

 

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