About rb&hArts
rb&hArts runs an award winning, innovative arts programme at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, including live performances, participatory workshops, exhibitions, and multi-disciplinary artists’ commissions. We manage a collection of over 1,200 artworks and engage over 5000 people a year.
Our aims are to:
- improve the clinical environment
- improve patient experience
- enhance the wellbeing of patients, visitors, staff, and local communities.
rb&hArts is core funded by the Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Charity. Our programmes are generously supported by donations, and by other charitable trusts and funds.
For the most up to date news on our programme, please see our Instagram page: @rbharts
Get involved
Donate
Our arts programme is funded by charitable donations. If you would like to support our work, please visit our donation page.
Volunteer
We work with an amazing team of volunteers. If you have an interest in the arts in a healthcare setting and would like to get involved, please contact us.
Our team
Head of arts – Mary Paterson
Visual arts manager (job share) – Annabelle Bond and Ruth Borthwick
Arts and youth engagement manager – Conni Rosewarne
Arts participation manager – Rosie Watters
Art assistant – Irita Ozolina
Contact rb&hArts
Follow us on: X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Sign up to our mailing list via Mailchimp
You can also contact the rb&hArts team by calling 020 7352 8121 ext 84087 or emailing arts@rbht.nhs.uk
Creative health
Creative health is the name for creative activities that contribute to the long term physical and mental wellbeing of individuals and communities.
“Creative health is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous society, and its benefits should be available and accessible to all” - All Party Parliamentary Group on Health and Wellbeing, Creative Health Review, 2023
At rb&hArts, we develop a programme of creative health interventions designed especially for our community of staff, patients, and their families.
Our programme inclides:
- Participatory Arts – creative activities and workshops
- Singing for Breathing – choirs that use singing techniques to support long term lung health
- Vocal Beats – interactive music, singing, and beatboxing for young people
- Live Music - live performances from musicians at the bedside
Art and our environment
Art transforms the space you’re in. rb&hArts works with clinical staff, administrative staff, and patients to co-create our shared environments, helping to reduce stress, aid communication, and support recovery.
Exhibitions
rb&hArts manages temporary exhibitions in public spaces across the hospitals. Exhibitions include the annual staff and patients’ arts show, as well as artist showcases.
Integrated arts projects
rb&hArts works with staff and patients to commission and co-create visual art for the wards, waiting areas, and other shared spaces.
Socially engaged projects
We are proud to work with artists, staff, and patients on a range of multi-disciplinary projects exploring the experiences and stories of our hospitals.
Visual arts commissions
We commission original work to add to our permanent collection of over 1200 pieces
We regularly have call outs for artists for new commissions and exhibitions. Please check out our Instagram @rbharts to find out more.