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NCCU Artist Open Call

CUH Arts, the estates and clinical teams are looking to commission an artist to create a department-spanning artwork for the Neurosciences and Trauma Critical Care Unit (NCCU), as part of a renovation.

A CUH Arts logo on a watercolour painted background. Black text reads: 'Artist Open Call'

This is an open call to all interested artists.

Please read the full artwork brief below:

How to Apply

If you would like to work with us on this exciting commission for the hospital, please send:

  • a portfolio and/or examples of relevant work
  • a short statement on how you would approach this commission

Please email your submission to cuh.arts@nhs.net by 12:00 midnight Monday 23rd September 2024.

Shortlisted artists will be invited to develop their proposals, and appointed in accordance with Trust procurement.

We are available for an informal conversation should you have any questions, please get in touch: cuh.arts@nhs.net.

Commission Themes

This brief was developed through creative artist-led creative consultation with staff and patients, as well as discussions with stakeholders and the design team. Clear themes emerged, and we expect the artwork to respond to these.

Natural Rhythms

Patterns. Things that have a rhythm that starts to form and then changes, just like our recovery journeys have… I went in in autumn and when I came out there was blossom on the trees. I felt lost because I had no sense of the seasons passing, no connection to anything outside.

Former NCCU Patient

Calm Escapism

peaceful, and hopeful. It can be hard, we all need a place of refuge here sometimes

Staff Member

Artwork Aims

  1. Patient/family areas require calm, soft humanisation
  2. Staff spaces require encouragement and escapism
  3. Key Words: Natural, Muted colours, Warmth, Calm, Refuge, Seasonal, Flowing, Patterns, Open, Light, Soothing
  4. Encompass the full wall height – as many patients have limited mobility
  5. Include seasonal, durational, circadian element

Site and Specifications

We are looking for an artwork that spans the reception, central corridor, family room, quiet room and staff room, and the bed bays. Please see the architectural floor plans below.

Floor Plans for NCCU:

Timeline 2024 - 2025

Timeline

September 24, 2024 Open call closes

September 27, 2024 Shortlisted artists notified

September 27-October 11, 2024 Proposal Development

w/c October 14, 2024 Artist appointed

October-November, 2024 Design development

December, 2024 Proposal feedback and amends rounds

January, 2025 Final design signed off

February-April, 2025 Fabrication

April-May, 2025 Installation