CHP has worked with Sheffield arts charity, Ignite Imaginations, to place two community art installations in primary care buildings as part of their ‘Art at the Heart’ project. Artists worked with local communities to translate their thoughts, feelings and experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic into four striking art installations displayed across the city from December 2020.
The installation at Darnall Primary Care Centre called ‘Cognitive’ was made by local ceramic artist Angie Hardwick. The installation is made up of six ceramic cogs, stamped with images and words which represent the positive and negative experiences that the Darnall community had during the pandemic. The cogs are suspended in a frame welded by Angie’s father mirroring the airborne Covid-19 virus.
Over 50 people contributed their words including pupils from a local primary school and Darnall Allotment Group. Words and images include worried, anxious, frustrated, bored but there are also more positive reactions like community spirit, love, protected, resilience and family. Images include footprints, masks, social distance signs, baking, clap for carers, and the zoom icon!
Watch how the ceramic cogs were made and more about the ‘Cognitive’ installation displayed in Darnall Primary Care Centre, Sheffield
‘Nexus and Connections’ Art at the Heart, Jordanthorpe Health Centre
Artist Kate Sully, worked with a group of over 50s in Jordanthorpe on two abstract art paintings incorporating their stories, emotions, and their feelings – like lockdown lethargy, ‘conquering the virus’ and life on zoom. Unusually, everyone wanted to do a creative response to her paintings; these included creative writing, photography, paintings even a textile quilt.
Kate Sully said:
“I think making a piece of art, whatever that might be, is a way of channelling how you feel so all the groups really embraced it. It’s been brilliant for them they really ‘got into it’.”
“Their ideas started pouring out; they felt a lot better for doing it, it’s something that they’ve achieved during this strange Covid time.”
Find out more about Art at the Heart ‘Nexus’ and ‘Connections’ Jordanthorpe Medical Centre:
Ignite Imaginations CEO, Luisa Golob said: “What stands out for me, is that the artists have drawn their inspiration from the thoughts and feelings of the community, this has been a truly collaborative process. What’s more, the impact of this project in challenging times reaches far beyond the creation of the installations, the project has connected people, offered a sense of purpose and provides a legacy for the city living through these unprecedented times.”
Simon McKinna, CHP ORM at both properties, and the local teams were very pleased to help with this project. Simon said:
“It has been good to display these artworks inspired by the experiences of our local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. People ask questions about them, get more information, which can draw people into becoming involved in art projects. I think ‘Cognitive’ is an absolutely fantastic sculpture. It has become a focal point.”
The ‘Art at the Heart’ project has been reported across BBC local news, local media, and is receiving positive reactions from patients and staff at both primary care centres.
Find out more about Ignite Imaginations
Ignite Imaginations aim to celebrate and connect communities through art and creativity, they want to ignite imaginations, and support individuals to gain new skills and gain confidence. The ‘Art at the Heart’ project was funded by The National Lottery via the Arts Council England.
Follow Ignite Imaginations on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ignitesheff
Instagram: www.instagram.com/igniteimaginations
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ignite_sheff
YouTube Channel
Credits:
Laura Page Photography www.laurapage.co.uk
Tom Rolley Videography www.tomrolleyvideography.com
