Curating the Cure: Innovative Art Space in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
This month, a radical new initiative comes to fruition as Suttie Arts Space opens its doors in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Grim colour schemes; the jaundice terrine of a waiting room wall, cheap leather chairs and oddly strewn health posters are the most likely connotations when you think of art displayed within a hospital. Challenging this stereotypically bleak medical atmosphere is Suttie Arts Space, opening on 29 November. The Suttie proposes an artistic alternative with pioneering site specific sculptures and film screenings. Situated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, this newly built and contemporary venue is, as far as the literature goes, the only one of its kind in the UK. Boasting 24/7 access, an open door policy and ergonomically surpassing itself so porters pushing patients in beds can easily pass through, this new gallery should not be bypassed.
The venture is a collaboration between NHS Grampian and Grampian Hospitals Art Trust (GHAT) – an organisation which has brought artwork to healthcare since 1985. On a weekly basis, the Art Office at GHAT take works from their 4,500 strong collection and peddle the hospital corridors, generating interest and discussion about art more generally. Feedback from the public, patients and staff has amazed project coordinators who commission, collect and display the predominantly wall-based works across NHS Grampian but also look to collaborate on numerous large-scale one-off pieces for the hospital grounds. Between GHAT and NHS Grampian, Suttie Arts is formed in the view of contextualising art within healthcare, rather than healthcare becoming the basis for the development of art.
“We are aware that art is not here to save people's lives, but it can ease the patient, staff and visitor experience within the hospital" – Fraser MacDonald
The grand opening on 29 November sees a multimedia group show from artists Oliver Laric, Stephanie Mann and Lotte Glob, all of whom will fill the dynamic venue with film, print and sculptural pieces. Laric is known for quirky 3D productions which remix ancient and modern images before turning them into moving pictures, while renowned ceramic artist Lotte Glob plays on her affinity for the Scottish Highlands to create mesmerising sculptural works. Already the unorthodox relationship between creative process and hospital surroundings is apparent, however the artist who could prove the pinnacle in the environment is Stephanie Mann.
Mann recently received acclaim with Inherit This Mango at Summerhall, an exhibition that wanted to make the audience’s “eyes tickle.” Her brightly coloured and domestically fastidious compositions are wholesomely stimulating and will offer a positive interlude for any person frequenting Suttie Arts Space.
Another poignant feature of the opening night is the accompanying exhibition library which aims to inspire visitors with other artists and ideas associated with the initial display. It all ties in with the Suttie's pioneering principles. Fraser MacDonald, Programme Coordinator with GHAT, says, “We are aware that art is not here to save people's lives, but it can ease the patient, staff and visitor experience within the hospital, which has a positive impact on healthcare… Hospitals are emotionally charged places in which many patients, and staff, are placed under significant stress. Experience of arts within this context can not only improve their wellbeing, but can also be the start of an interest and longer term engagement with art beyond the hospital.”
Presently the universities around Aberdeen have the chance to involve their students with the venture in creative events or group projects. Encompassing the massive student population of the region is another fundamental and organic aim of the new arts space. As Fraser Macondald says, "A locally focused, long-term ambition of the Suttie Arts Space is to immediately support and contribute to the retention of creative talent within Aberdeen. A driving ambition in the context of Aberdeen and shire is to help realise this region as attractive and interesting to artists and audiences, and to signpost audiences to further cultural activity in the North-East."