Establishment of an Arts Steering Group

Following the recent advert for the Commission of Artwork in the New Hospital and Healthcare Facility – the Balfour. NHS Orkney is looking to establish an Arts Steering Group to oversee arts commissions and future projects in the new building.

The first such commission focuses onthe glazed areas in the main entrance and hub area. The commission invites artists to submit a theme for work or works to be installed in the hub space to create a distinctive identity for this area of the building whilst providing privacy. Proposals have been invited from suitability qualified and experienced artists to develop the artwork from initial concept through to a fully designed and costed scheme.

This will shortly be followed by 2 further commissions, one in respect of NHS Orkney’s existing art collection and one calling for original work to mark the transition of services to the new facility.

The briefs for all 3 commissions have been developed in collaboration with Orkney Islands Council Dept of Education, Leisure, Culture and Inclusion and the charity Art in Healthcare.

The closing date for submissions for the first commission is 3 December, followed by a short listing exercise. Shortlisted artists will be invited to present their themes and concepts on 14 December to a panel including :

OIC Arts Officer,

Chief Executive, Art in Healthcare

NHS Orkney Clinical Lead & Project Manager

NHS Orkney, Project Director

NHS Orkney would also like to invite interested members of staff and the public to participate on this panel, with the intention to develop the panel into the Arts Steering Group for the new build.

Anyone interested in being part of the panel and/or the future Arts Steering Group should contact Ann McCarlie, Project Director by email:- ann.mccarlie@nhs.net or telephone 01856 888926.

Details of the arrangements for 14 December will be provided following the short listing exercise on 3 December.