Internal and external spaces in our projects are designed to display temporary and/or permanent exhibitions of artworks providing opportunities for local artists and contributing to the well-being of patients and staff.
The following are some recent examples of Apollo's investment in public art projects:
The ten metre void over the staircase within the stunning three storey atrium in the recently completed West Rhyl Primary Care Centre is graced with an eye catching oak wall back drop against a 4,000 year old driftwood sculpture. Originating in Scotland, this unique piece of art truly complements the contemporary external building design. The driftwood is in actual fact semi-petrified Scots pine pre-dating the last Ice Age.
Situated adjacent to a Conservation Area, offering magnificent views over the Ryburn Valley, the main internal feature within the double height octagonal shaped waiting area of the Brig Royd Surgery in Ripponden, West Yorkshire, is a glass top light. The bespoke glass mobile which hangs centrally within this space was commissioned with a grant from the Arts Council England and a donation from Apollo. The local artist took inspiration from school children and senior residents on their reflections of the River Ryburn and the specific medicinal qualities of plants and flowers.
The Heckmondwike Health Centre, completed in July 2010, boasts a stainless steel sculpture of a cascading roll of carpet which hangs majestically over the building entrance in recognition of generations of carpet manufacture in the local area.
The investment in public art at the Clydach Health Centre in Wales was twofold. Five bespoke glass panels were commissioned by local leading glass designers which were inserted in a purpose built wall with back lights which provides soft lighting in the reception area. Apollo also funded two local schools to produce artwork and their group collage and series of ceramic tiles are now proudly displayed in the Gallery Wing at the Centre for all to enjoy. Involving the children in the project helped the community accept change and take ownership and pride in their new buildings.
An ambitious art project was undertaken at the Fort William Health Centre, appropriately completed in the Highland Year of Culture. The extensive range of artworks include stained glass, textiles, mobiles and children's artwork. Funding was received from a number of sources, including sustantial external grants.
Soon after opening the Practices were reporting that patients were expressing their views on the positive therapeutic, calming influence the artwork and building ambience had on them. One of the paintings of Glencoe, which has a dark foreground and light in the uplands, provided a spontaneous metaphor which helped the discussion with a patient being treated for depression who found herself in the dark place struggling to get into the area of sunlight. The artwork is increasingly been seen as not just a luxury item but an essential part of any future NHS building!
A new website has been set up to provide a record of the Public Art Project at the Fort William Health Centre - www.adesignforhealth.co.uk. It is hoped that by looking at this specific project and the experiences of those involved it will provide an information source for similar projects.
