Hospital Arts

Community links with the health sector are a strength of the Visual Arts Specialism. A structured programme promotes teamwork and encourages students to become more responsible citizens by promoting cultural, social and spiritual diversity.

The Hospital Arts programme has contributed to the raising of standards in teaching and learning in Art and Design by expanding the range of learning experiences for students by working with professional artists and artists in residence. Local hospitals exhibit our students' work and several high profile collaborative projects with the Univeristy Hospital South Manchester and the charity LIME have seen students work with patients and health workers, exploring the use of art as therapy.

Year 9 Animation Competition in association with Wythenshawe Hosptital

Paterson Institute Community Link

Students in Years 9 and 12 were recently challenged to develop a unique, relevant and contemporary artwork for display at the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research (PICR), based in Manchester. The high standard of their work, the maturity of the pieces and the enthusiasm with which they tackled the project prompted the PICR to reward their efforts with an ‘Art Meets Science' Award Evening.

A winning team

Pippa McNichol, Director of Operations at the PICR said: "This month the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research completed a very successful five-year review. The review is carried out by a team of international scientists appointed by Cancer Research UK, who support the institute with core funding, to ensure that we are producing research of a high and internationally significant standard. The review was an ideal opportunity to engage with the local community and to showcase some of the rich young talent we have here on our doorstep."

Brilliant artwork

Students were given an open brief and asked to produce artwork that reflected the personality and essence of the PICR, a challenge they eagerly embraced. "Our students are very used to producing high quality work but as this is often within the curriculum, it is produced in response to a specific brief with an expected outcome. Working on the ‘Art Meets Science' challenge was a liberating experience for the children. They had to show they could channel their creativity and abstract ideas into a tangible artwork within a specific timeframe - transferable skills that require discipline and focus," explained Head of Art Mrs. Brook.

Pleased with her success

The finished artworks have been professionally framed and now decorate the walls of the Institute building for all staff and visitors to enjoy. The students' hard work was recognized at a special Award Evening  held at the Institute during July. The students' work was assessed by a panel of judges and three winners from Year 9 were selected and six from Year 12. Each received a gift voucher from an art supplies shop so that the students can pick their own gifts to help them in their artistic endeavours.

Amazing design work

"We have been absolutely amazed at the level of talent and ability shown by all the age groups - their work really brightens our Institute and brings a flavour of the community into our research environment. Working with a local school has been a very rewarding experience - and one which we hope will be repeated as a regular challenge," said Pippa McNichol.

Nightingale Centre Project

Year 12 students were commissioned to produce individual pieces of artwork for the recently opened Nightingale Centre and Genesis Prevention Centre. This commission is a wonderful opportunity for Sale Grammar School students, who were entrusted with the responsibility to create artwork for therapeutic, counselling and waiting areas.

At the beginning of the project a selection of students and their art teachers visited the Centre to meet NHS staff and gain an understanding of the healthcare environment. Their brief was to create artworks which would 'bring life into the room' exploring themes of growth, life and nature. Their individual pieces help make the atmosphere warm, welcoming, intriguing and less clinical for patients & staff.

The project has also attracted interest from Centini who have produced a mini TV documentary that celebrates young people doing great things for their local community.

You can read more about the Nightingale Centre here