Call to Artists
Waterford Healing Arts Trust invites proposals for 2023–2025 Exhibition Programme at University Hospital Waterford
Waterford Healing Arts Trust (WHAT) invites artists of all art forms and disciplines to submit proposals for its exhibition programme 2023–2025 at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). Successful artists will be paid a fee of €450.00 to exhibit, in addition to expenses such as travel, transport and workshop fees etc., where relevant. Group exhibition proposals are also welcome. To apply, artists should complete and send the relevant application form, along with three images and their artist CV to whatartshealth@gmail.com by Tuesday, 31 January 2023. Further information is available from WHAT Project Coordinator, Aisling Kennedy: aislingC.kennedy@hse.ie or 051 842664.
The WHAT exhibition programme at UHW is a means of engaging the hospital community of staff, patients and visitors in contemporary art and arts practices, while also being an opportunity for artists to showcase their work within an atypical exhibition space. Exhibitions typically run for eight weeks, with scope to engage the hospital community in collaborative/ participatory arts experiences in tandem with the exhibition.
Speaking at the announcement of the Open Call, Claire Meaney, Director of Waterford Healing Arts Trust said “We’re delighted to announce this open call inviting artists of all art forms to submit their proposals for our exhibition programme 2023-2025 at University Hospital Waterford. Through art, we aim to bring some wonder and magic to the hospital, to soften the clinical environment and humanise the space, so if you have an idea that you think could be realised in this context, we would love to hear from you.” She went on to say “Due to the nature of the hospital context there may be some practical constraints in terms of space and infection control. Additionally, subject matter needs to be carefully considered. Exhibitions need not be hospital, healthcare or medically related, but proposals should be sensitive to the hospital environment and to the hospital audience which would include patients, staff and visitors.”
Waterford Healing Arts Trust is Ireland’s leading arts and health organisation. Established in 1993, WHAT brings arts experiences to the bedsides of patients at University Hospital Waterford and other healthcare settings. WHAT believes that the arts contribute to the wellbeing and vitality of society and that engaging with the arts stimulates the participant’s sense of identity and creativity. Core funded by the Arts Council, WHAT also supports the development of arts and health in Ireland and manages the national website www.artsandhealth.ie.
