Two memorial artworks inspired by experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic have been unveiled at hospitals across Teesside and North Yorkshire.
The pieces, created by local students, have been installed at The James Cook University Hospital and the Friarage Hospital, after successfully winning a competition.
The winning artwork, created by Lainey Garbutt, a Year 11 student at Rye Hills Academy, is now on display at both the Friarage Hospital and The James Cook University Hospital. A second-place prize was also awarded to a cyanotype print created by Gray Currell, from the Northern School of Art and unveiled at James Cook.
Creating a space for reflection
Speaking at one of the unveiling ceremonies, Dr James Dunbar, consultant in infection and general medicine, said: “The pandemic affected every one of us in different ways, but it was also something we experienced together within our communities.
“These artworks provide an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember that period in our history. It is particularly meaningful that they have been created by young people from within our local community and will serve as a focal point for generations of people who walk through and experience our hospital spaces.”
The new pieces complement artwork first unveiled at Hartlepool and North Tees hospitals by the arts council last summer. A further competition call was placed out late last year to welcome entries for memorial artwork at its James Cook and Friarage sites.
Following a judging panel earlier in the year, the winning artwork was unveiled at both the Friarage Hospital and The James Cook University Hospital in June. While an earlier ceremony unveiled the second place artwork outside of the intensive care unit at James Cook.
Celebrating our creative community
Chair for University Hospitals Tees, Professor Derek Bell, spoke about the role art can play within healthcare environments, and offered his thanks to all involved. Derek said: “It is important as a healthcare organisation that we support projects that connect our hospitals with the communities we serve.
“There is well documented evidence that artwork within hospitals is important as a way to distract and to improve healing and health outcomes.
Artwork helps people to reflect, tell stories and make connections. We’re incredibly grateful for the sheer amount and quality of entries we received after inviting local colleges and schools to get involved.
“When it came to judging, Lainey and Gray’s artworks resonated with our arts council panel and we knew we wanted to have their artwork on display for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations to you both.
“A huge thank you also goes to everyone who was involved in helping this project come to fruition.”
Four further highly commended artworks have also been donated to the hospital group and will be displayed across hospital sites, gardens and chaplaincy services, with some designs being developed into stickers and pin badges.
More information about the COVID-19 memorial project can be found on the University Hospitals Tees Arts Council webpage.