CW+ is investing in West Middlesex University Hospital by commissioning high‑quality contemporary artists to transform clinical spaces. In this film, Laura, an Arts Project Manager, explains how CW+ has created a permanent, meaningful art collection that reflects the people it serves and reinforces CW+’s commitment to excellence in arts and health.
Laura, an Arts Project Manager at CW+, explains how CW+ has revitalised and expanded its art collection at West Mid, making it more reflective of the hospital’s community.
Laura's story: transcript
The priority for the West Middlesex collection refresh has been to work with quality artists to deliver quality artworks that reflect the West Middlesex University Hospital community.
For this refresh, we commissioned three fantastic, female, leading contemporary artists. Hannah Lim created a sculpture for the atrium courtyard. Lucia Pizzani created a series of vinyl tiles, ceramics, a sound installation and a painting for the Intensive Care Unit corridor and waiting area. Joy Labinjo created a bespoke, environment‑influenced artwork for the East Wing lift lobby.
Alongside this, we also refreshed the framed and acquired artworks on display across the hospital.
Putting consultation at the heart of the process
Consultation was a really important part of all of these commissions. We organised staff visits to the artists’ studios, ran staff workshops on site, and opened up consultation in the atrium of the hospital as well.
When we commission an artist, we consider the medium they work in, the subject matter, and whether they have any links to that hospital. A key focus of this refresh has also been diversifying and amplifying the artists we work with.
We prioritise young contemporary artists living and working in and around London. It is really important that the work reflects the community on site, which includes an incredibly diverse population of staff and patients. We wanted that diversity to come through in both the commissioned artworks and the new acquisitions.
Seeing the impact on site
We have already had lots of really fantastic feedback about the new commissions. I have walked through the atrium and seen people enjoying the new courtyard space, sitting outside during their lunch breaks, or families spending time there together, which has been really lovely to see.
I am thrilled that the artists commissioned for the refresh are of such high quality, and that these works will be permanently on display at West Middlesex University Hospital.
Why this project matters to me
This project means a lot to me personally. West Middlesex is my local hospital, where many of my friends and family have been treated. I know the community well, and I understand the value that this artwork will bring to it.
Art in hospitals makes people feel cared for and considered. It creates a better patient experience and a better patient environment. People feel looked after, and that is really at the heart of the NHS.
The role of art in healthcare
Art in hospitals is often surprising for patients. It is not something people necessarily expect to see. By introducing this point of difference, we are offering something special, and that is a really beautiful benefit of art in health.
This is at the core of what the West Middlesex collection refresh is about.
Supporting the Thirty at Thirty campaign
If you are thinking about donating to the CW+ Thirty at Thirty campaign, your donation will help us directly improve the hospital environment for both patients and staff.
The CW+ Arts in Health programme enhances our hospitals and transforms the experience of patients, their families and our Trust staff.
Visit this webpage to watch a video about about Hannah Lim’s commission. Read this article to learn more about the collection refresh more generally.
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