Enhancing the environment

Arts at NUH aim to enhance the environment across the NUH sites to make spaces more welcoming, calming and inspiring for everyone. Our approach places a strong emphasis on co-creation, ensuring that the voices of patients, staff, and the wider community are at the heart of all new works. By involving those who use these spaces, we create environments that not only uplift but also reflect the diverse experiences and needs of our community. 

Artist Commissions

Artist Commissions

We commission new artworks, such as murals for wards and communal areas, that respond directly to the needs and requests of staff and patients. These thoughtfully designed pieces not only enhance the physical environment but also serve a purpose, whether it’s creating a calming atmosphere, providing positive distractions, or supporting patient care. By collaborating with artists, we ensure that each commissioned work enriches the space in a meaningful and impactful way. 

‘We are so amazed at the beautiful finish to the artwork. Our patients have said it is calming and helps them while waiting for a procedure’ Staff member 

Exhibitions

Exhibitions

Arts at NUH manages and develops exhibition spaces that provide artists with opportunities to explore the impact of their work in healthcare settings. These exhibitions often respond to specific themes linked to creative health, offering a platform for artists to engage with patients, staff, and visitors while connecting with the wider Arts at NUH programme. 

In addition to curated exhibitions, we also manage an extensive art collection generously donated to Arts at NUH. These artworks, thoughtfully installed in public-facing areas across NUH sites, help create a more welcoming and inspiring environment for everyone who passes through our spaces. 

Black History Month and International Staff Exhibitions 2024

Arts at NUH and Global Health Partnerships have partnered to celebrate International Colleagues at NUH from 1 November 2024.

Thanks to Lamar Francois for taking all photographs and Nottingham Hospitals Charity for supporting both exhibitions.

A woman with glasses and a dark blue top is laughing, close up

Svetlana Draper

Legacy Mentor

Bulgarian

I run. I bake. I look after my body and I look after my soul. This helps me remember that I am a kind person and I always have a choice. I write my own story. And it is a happy one…

A woman in a blue voluteers top with short brown hair is laughing

2. Dr Chitra Acharya

Reconfiguration Project Manager

Indian/British

I am really proud of my Indian heritage. I use Bollywood dance for maintaining cultural continuity and establishing a strong cultural identity. I volunteer to teach dance to my colleagues at NUH, which allows me to make a positive impact in my community by sharing my love of dance with others.

A man with short brown hair and glasses is smiling in the centre with an x ray unit in the background

Marion Gerald Mangalindan

Deputy Charge Nurse & Clinical Nurse Specialist

Filipino/British

My nursing career in the UK has been greatly influenced by my Filipino heritage, which values family, respect, and empathy. These principles have profoundly shaped my approach to patient care, and every day, I am inspired by my faith, family and heritage to pursue excellence for myself and those under my care.

A man with short dark hair and a blue and white stripy shirt is smiling on the tram bridge

Vignesh Murali

Deputy Divisional General Manager

Indian/British

I am a proud husband to a beautiful wife and father to two wonderful children. Born in India and raised in the UK, I grew up in a family with deep roots in the NHS, which shaped my values of service and care. I trained as a physiotherapist and now work as a general manager, where I continue to drive positive change.

 

A close up of a woman with dark hair tied back in a pony tail, gold earrings and a purple uniform

5. Bindhu Kallumkal

Practice Educator

Indian/British

My Indian heritage instills in me a deep respect for education, family, and resilience. These values drive my commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptability in diverse environments. Rooted in rich cultural traditions , I bring a holistic perspective to my personal and professional life, always striving for balance and community

 

 

Arts at NUH and the BAME network partnered to celebrate NUH staff during Black History Month with a special exhibition on North Corridor at City Hospital.

The exhibition can be viewed at City Hospital on North Corridor (close to maternity) from mid-October and will stay up until early 2025.

Staff answered questions around the theme of 'Reclaiming Narratives' You can read their answers and view the images in the exhibition on the links below:

Lovelyn Umeloh

Matron for Community Engagement and Innovation

Nigerian/British

Reclaiming Narratives to me is a movement of cultural challenges towards inclusion and equitable global representation by shining a brighter light on all the positive stories that show who we are.

Lovelyn in dark blue uniform with red colour and a brown and white stripy head band, wearing glasses, is gazing to the left.

 

Adejoke Ogunsolu

Project Support Officer

Nigerian

I felt empowered when I moved to the UK for my master's. Navigating a new culture, I shared my experiences with colleagues, challenging stereotypes and assumptions. This journey helped me embrace my identity fully and inspired others to value diverse perspectives and take control of their own narratives.

Adejoke is wearing a green and black top with hair tied back is smiling in front of City Hospital headquarters with her arms folded.

Linda Ebeh

Project Support Officer (EDI)

Nigerian

Reclaiming narratives to me means taking control of my own story and experiences. As an international staff member working with the NHS and from a Black African background being able to share authentic experiences and perspectives to counteract dominant narratives that may be inaccurate or incomplete.

Linda is sitting with her legs crossed on a wall, wearing trousers and a green blouse.

Chricy Kainga

Assistant Divisional Nurse Lead for People Workforce and Education

Malawian/Black British

To me, reclaiming narratives means a commitment to take control of correcting historical inaccuracies of black heritage and showcasing the untold success stories and challenges faced by black heritage and honouring our heroes.

Chricy is wearing a dark blue uniform with white spots. She is standing on the tram bridge at QMC smiling with her hair tied back.

Chantal Augustin-Griffith

Clinical Educator

St. Lucian

Persons from my country are generally friendly and helpful and I have always tried to embody that. I’m usually the first person who will reach out with a greeting and I really want to know if you are doing ok, it’s not just saying the words. My culture has also pushed me to be an independent thinker but also team worker.

Chantal is wearing a purple uniform and glasses and short hair is smiling in a close up camera shot.

Aquiline Chivinge

Assistant Director of Nursing

Zimbabwean/British

My culture and community have provided me with the tools to successfully navigate a high-pressure and dynamic work environment. Values such as perseverance, adaptability, and collaboration were instilled in me from a young age, allowing me to approach challenges with resilience and foster positive relationships in diverse professional settings.

Aquiline is wearing a dark blue uniform with white spots. She is sitting on a wall, laughing.

Emmanuella Iyo

Staff Nurse

Belizean

I cannot articulate a moment when I truly felt empowered. It may be when I graduated with my nursing degree. Or when I answered NUH’s call to come to England and reduce the shortage of nursing staff. It could be when I held my first born (premature son) and felt the enormity of the responsibility and love. As a Christian, pacifist, and humanist, these values have played a crucial role in shaping my journey. I await the empowerment with a calm expectation.

Emmanuella is wearing a light blue uniform. She is smiling with short hair in a close camera shot.

Kevamae Sobers

Diabetes Specialist Nurse

Barbadian

The positive values which have been instilled in me from growing up in my country Barbados have played an integral role in the person I am today and my choice of profession. My cultural heritage is uniquely founded on my country’s motto ‘Pride & Industry’. This motto remains a constant guide in all of my daily actions.

Kevamae is wearing a dark blue uniform with light blue stripes. She has short hair and is standing, laughing. Behind her is a cabinet filled with historical medication for diabetes.