Publish date: 30 September 2025
Successful workshops for public art piece for the new Berwick hospital
As part of the development of the sculpture for the atrium of the new Berwick hospital, artists from Sum.Place led a series of workshops inviting the local community to create a special piece of public artwork.
Over four days, the workshops were held with both staff and members of the public so they could create colourful plastic fish from recycled NHS waste. A total of 86 people came to take part in this activity with over 130 unique fish produced.
The workshops were successful and allowed people to engage in a wellbeing task that was a step away from their busy daily routines or work. Many came along as an opportunity to try something new in a relaxed environment with others from their community.
People were able to express their creativity through choosing the colours of their fish. The colours they chose were representative of their identities, whether this related to something personal they had experienced or simply their favourite colours that made them smile. Once the sculpture is installed in the new hospital, the variation in the colours of the fish will reflect the people of Berwick and each of their personal stories.
Feedback from the sessions was positive. Many said that it was meaningful to contribute to the hospital sculpture and they were proud being part or something that will be long-lasting in Berwick.
Karla McEwan, healthcare assistant at Berwick Infirmary, said: “It’s a really big thing to be able to put your mark in the new hospital and it’s like having a little piece of you in the hospital. Because it’s all part of the NHS recycled plastic it’s like you’re bringing all our work together to make something really pretty.”
Members of the public that took part in the workshop expressed their excitement for being a part of something that will have a positive impact on their community.
Aileen Reilly, workshop participant, said: “I think artwork is lovely for the hospital because it’ll make this lovely, colourful, bright environment, it’ll take your mind off the fact that here we are in a hospital.”
Nic Quinn, creative producer at Sum.Place, said: “We think it’s absolutely vital that communities have a voice, and they are part of making public art. It is something that is shared. It’s something that really chimes into people’s identity and their connection to a place so it’s really important for us that we do this, the work, with people and that they are part of making the work.”
Katie Dawson, healing arts programme manager, said: “It’s been wonderful to see the community getting involved in this project. People in Berwick are passionate about their community so we hope there will be a great sense of pride and ownership in having contributed to a significant milestone in the town’s history.”
This project has been organised by Northumbria Healthcare’s Bright charity, who have developed an award-winning healing arts programme to enhance the healthcare environment for patients, visitors, and staff.