exhibition

Paintings in Hospitals

Artists Stephen Chambers, Balraj Khanna, John Mullen, Rebecca Salter

01.Jul.04 - 15.Aug.04
Wed-Sun 12-6 or by appt

Contemporary Art Projects
20 Rivington St
London EC2A 3DU
020 7739 1743
info@caprojects.com
www.caprojects.com
Tube Old Street, Liverpool Street, Shoreditch / Hoxton

Fosterart is pleased to host the inaugural exhibition of works selected for inclusion in the Paintings in Hospitals Collection through its Sponsored Purchase Scheme. This programme was conceived jointly by Fosterart and PiH as a means of funding the placement of significant works of contemporary art in hospitals. It marks the run-up to Paintings in Hospitals' 50th anniversary of lending works of art to hospitals in the UK, and includes paintings by seven respected British artists.

It is now a well-established view within the NHS that art can speed recovery from illness and aid health promotion. Recent surveys show that art in hospitals is overwhelmingly popular and scientific research has shown that art in hospitals can significantly reduce anxiety, the amount of medication required, and length of stay. The beneficial effects are not confined to patients – a welcoming work environment substantially improves staff morale and the attitude towards upkeep of the facility. As a consequence of these findings, over forty art for health schemes have been established nation-wide in recent years. Combined with the many new building projects, demand for contemporary art is increasing rapidly.

We have chosen for this programme artists who are not yet represented in the Paintings in Hospitals Collection and whose work we believe represents excellent value for money. All of the artists are very pleased to have their work included in this purchase scheme, since it both allows them to make their contribution to the healing environment and funds the making of new work. Seeing these paintings in the flesh, there is no doubt that they radiate a generosity of spirit, a gift from the artist that makes people feel reassured and uplifted.

Finding the means to purchase these outstanding works is the challenge - Paintings in Hospitals relies on grants and donations to support the service and its budget for new acquisitions is extremely limited. Since this programme offers sponsors an opportunity to demonstrate involvement in their community in a very tangible and cost-effective way, we are optimistic that the response will be positive.

During the exhibition, which continues until mid-August, potential recipients or sponsors can contact LeAnn Barber at Fosterart on 020 7739 1743 to arrange a viewing time. We plan to match parties with the appropriate paintings wherever possible, and progress will be reported on the Fosterart and Paintings in Hospital websites.

Richard Cork – art critic for the New Statesman and author who has written extensively on the effects of art in hospitals – is joining us on Tuesday 13 July for an informal discussion with the artists about their work and its role in the hospital environment.