Art Collaboration Between Lincoln Students and NHS Shortlisted for National Mental Health Award

An artwork project that brought students from the University of Lincoln together with patients, NHS staff, and researchers has been shortlisted for Art Installation of the Year 2024.

Last year, Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust invested £25 million in the creation of two new inpatient mental health wards at the Peter Hodgkinson Centre (PHC) at Lincoln County Hospital. The new facility, completed in June 2023, houses four permanent art works created collaboratively as part of a project to support mental health recovery.

The pieces were conceived and co-created through a series of on-ward workshops led by Rachel Baynton, Associate Professor and Creative Engagement Producer, and Dr Steve Fossey, Associate Professor of Fine Art, both at the University of Lincoln.

The finished pieces are a focal point within the courtyard areas and following their installation, a noticeable increase in patients’ use of the spaces has been reported. The artwork also functions to initiate conversation with patients and aide de-escalation and grounding techniques.

Staff have noted that patients often spend time focussing on the images, away from the main ward areas which can often be busy and over-stimulating.

Partly due to this positive impact, the installations displayed at the PHC are one of just two shortlisted art pieces in the national Design in Mental Health Awards Art Installation of the Year category.

Rachel Baynton, Associate Professor at the University’s Lincoln School of Creative Arts said: “It’s an immensely rewarding experience leading on this collaboration and helping our students to apply their creative skills in service of the community at the PHC.

“NHS staff, patients, students and artists have worked side by side in wards and studios discussing mental health, fostering wellbeing, and making art together. We’re grateful to Tracy Colpitts and the team at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) for their welcome, for their enthusiasm, and for their understanding of the role that arts and creativity can play in recovery and wellbeing. We’re all delighted that our work together has been recognised and shortlisted for this award.”

Tracy Colpitts, Clinical Project Manager at LPFT said: “We’re incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to work with University colleagues on this inspiring collaboration.

“The artwork will now provide years of viewing for our inpatients to support the need for grounding, ascertain peace and aide tranquillity during the most difficult times of a patient’s mental health journey whilst receiving care and treatment within inpatient services.”

Professor Andrew Westerside, Head of Lincoln School of Creative Arts added: “Rachel and Steve’s work is testament to the transformative impact the creative arts can have on our lives and communities.

“The project sits at the meeting point of research, teaching, and meaningful community engagement and the School is delighted to be supporting our colleagues and LPFT in this vital work.”

The Design in Mental Health Awards ceremony will take place on 4 June at Manchester Central, where the Art Installation of the Year will be announced alongside 12 other categories.