Weekly Dose

The Art Committee survey results are in, and we thought we could share some facts about the committee and answer your questions.

• Overall, they had 3.68/5 to the question “how satisfied are you with the artwork installed so far”.
• Since the survey they have installed several more works, including 3 new works in the Wodonga Hospital corridor. 
• They have wrapped 3.5 columns in the Albury Hospital with vinyl images of ‘Gumtrees” and installed new and reframes works in the corridor, which concludes stage 1 of the Art Project, commissioned by the Art Committee in 2024.
• Stage 2 will commence in the coming months and install more artwork in the main corridor of both hospitals.

The committee was formed last year, and the first meeting was in April 2024.  A gap was identified around the management and maintenance of our artwork and there was no plan for the improvement of AWH facilities with appropriate Artwork.

“The Art Committee’s role is to enhance AWH facilities by providing a visually appealing and therapeutic environment for our patients, visitors, and staff.  The Art Committee will be responsible for approving, purchasing, and/or acquiring all Artwork for placement throughout AWH services. The Committee will consider the diversity of our multi-cultural community in enhancing public spaces across AWH, with the view to enhance the wellbeing and enjoyment of all patients, visitors, and staff.”

In our first 12 months, the committee have:

• Assisted with new work for the Willows in Beechworth.
• Assisted with new work for the Negative Pressure area in Med2.
• Updated the waiting area in Fracture Clinic with re-framed work.
• While the major focus has been on the main foyers and corridors of the two hospitals, the committee fully intend to work across all areas of AWH. A focus is based on patients, consumers and where it is most needed. They will also be involved in the new builds and what the future artwork may look like.

The committee members are a mix of staff and community representatives, the CEO is the Executive Sponsor, with Elaine Hill as the Committee Chair. The Art Committee is very grateful for funds donated by the AWH Opportunity Shops to start the work of the Committee. The underlying principle for the Committee is to draw on our environment and community for inspiration and to use artists that are accomplished and local.  The committee are planning on sharing more information about the artwork and artists in the coming weeks, and we hope to visit the outreach sites in the coming year.