Released 29/10/2021 - Joint media release
The ACT Government is seeking an expert art consultant to lead the art strategy for the Canberra Hospital Expansion.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said public artwork would enhance the wellbeing of people using the new Critical Services Building.
“We’re working to make the Canberra Hospital Expansion a place that supports patients, families, carers and staff, creating a welcoming and healing environment for all hospital users and building an inclusive sense of community,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The artwork commissioning will see art installed as an integral part of internal public spaces such as the new Welcome Hall and in courtyards surrounding the facility where patients, visitors and staff will come to meet, reflect and take some time out.
“Community input into this new facility, including from health care consumers, carers and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, is vitally important. We want the Canberra community to have the chance to really put their stamp on the new facilities they’ll be using.”
Minister for the Arts Tara Cheyne welcomed the initiative and said it was a great chance for the local arts community to get involved.
“The Canberra Hospital Expansion is a once in a generation chance for the ACT arts community to contribute to the future wellbeing of our city and create and enhance spaces that people interact with every day, sometimes at their worst and best moments,” Minister Cheyne said.
“This investment complements more than $13 million we have provided to support local artists, art organisations and cultural facilities in the latest budget.
“I encourage our arts community to start thinking now about what types of art would enhance the new facility and how they might like to get involved.”
Tenders are now open to commission an art consultant for the Canberra Hospital Expansion Project with submissions due by 25 November 2021.
More details about how local artists and groups can get involved in this initiative will be released next year, following the appointment of the art consultant.
To view the tender documentation for the art consultant go to www.tenders.act.gov.au or for more information about the Canberra Hospital Expansion visit www.hospitalexpansion.act.gov.au.
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Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases