Published on Tue, 03 Feb 2026
Job Summary
This visual arts commission is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to patients recovering from bowel cancer surgery, encouraging and motivating them to move more, improving their mood and making the ward environment more welcoming and engaging. Budget available £8,000
Job Description
This project is part of our Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programme. Evidence shows that getting out of bed, moving around and taking daily walks on the ward can improve recovery, minimise complications and reduce length of stay in hospital.
This artwork is being commissioned for one of our post-surgery wards, Ward 28, at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Cheshire. Artwork can be in any media but will need to consider health and safety and infection control constraints as part of the design of the work. Consideration of eventual cleaning and maintenance of the artwork will also need to be taken into account.
Artwork could feature on the walls or floor, have a manifestation on windows, be produced as an interactive activity or have a digital output. Proposals should outline initial ideas and how you would work with a staff/patient group to develop the concept and final work/s.
The commission will be managed by the Arts Manager.
Job Requirements
Aims of the commission
* To improve the ward environment
* To encourage patient mobility through improved mood and motivation
By meeting the above aims we hope that we will:
* Raise awareness of the importance of moving, approaches to take and support available.
* Reduce length of stay for patients.
* Encourage staff to motivate patients in their surgical recovery
Job Responsibilities
Artist Responsibilities
* To undertake some consultation and engagement with patients and staff with support from the Arts Manager and project lead.
* To update the Arts Manager on a regular basis with the development of the project.
* Development of concept, draft and final designs
* Co‑ordination of production and, if relevant, installation.
* Production of care and maintenance guidelines
Research
The artist will be required to meet with our patient/staff project group (preferably in person but online is also possible) to generate initial ideas with them and then present back once a concept has been developed.
The Arts Manager and staff panel will shortlist proposals and artists will be invited to present their ideas via a short online
Budget
A budget of £8, 000 is available for the project, inclusive of any VAT. This should cover artist fee, travel and expenses, materials, production/fabrication and any specialist installation.
Job Title: Ward artwork to support mobility after surgery
The closing date for expressions of interest is 5 pm on 20 February 2026
We will be shortlisting by 27 February 2026. Only shortlisted artists will be contacted.
Short listed artists will be invited to present their proposal on 2 March 2026.
Artists should submit the following via email or WeTransfer:
* A short response to this brief, no more than one side of A4, outlining why you are interested in this commission and an indication of the approach, format and materials you suggest for the project.
* Examples of your previous work
* Contact details of 2 referees
* A current CV
Submit via email or WeTransfer: A short response to this brief, no more than one side of A4, outlining why you are interested in this commission and an indication of the approach, format and materials you suggest for the project. Examples of your previous work. Contact details of 2 referees. A current CV.
* Contact name: Emma Kirk, Arts Project Coordinator
About Mid Cheshire Foundation Hospital Trust
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