We bring the highest-quality artwork and creative activity into mental health spaces, working with acclaimed artists to catalyse a fundamental shift in the way we consider and treat people with the most difficult of mental health diagnoses.
13
Hospital Rooms Transformed
43
Artists Commissioned
1200+
Service User Participants
150+
Creative Workshops
13
Hospital Rooms Transformed
43
Artists Commissioned
1200+
Service User Participants
150+
Creative Workshops
This film shows the extraordinary artworks created for locked mental health units by world-class artists and their impact. “Our patients have loved this process. Some, who have never before engaged in art have cut their leave short to attend sessions, others have wept tears of joy, described the workshops as ‘the best day of their lives’ and told us the sessions have eased times of utter despair.” – Staff Member, Hellingly Centre
This film follows Artist and Hospital Rooms Co-founder Tim A Shaw working with patients to create a large-scale mural for the Hellingly Centre – a forensic hospital in Sussex. The mural is inspired by the narratives of the people who use the space and draws on the heritage of the local area of Hastings. It is intended to remind patients of the power they find within them and the rich histories that they can be a part of and take a hand in creating.
This film introduces artist Harold Offeh’s work at Eileen Skellern 1 (ES1), a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit for women in London, UK. ES1 provides semi-secure hospital care for women who have severe and on- going mental illnesses. Harold worked with patients at the unit to create photographs of the rainbow effects created when engine oil and rainwater mix together on paving. His striking and transformative artworks remind us of the possibility for the everyday and overlooked to be spectacular and beautiful.
This short animated film by artists Mo Fadera and Siphiwe Mnguni, Hospital Rooms’ Public Programmes Curator, offers a glimpse into how the charity began and showcases some of the incredible artworks created in collaboration with artists and mental health service users over the years. From small, single-ward projects to transforming entire hospitals with extraordinary art, Hospital Rooms has redefined what mental health spaces can be. Through ambitious projects and the free, national Digital Art School, we continue to challenge the idea that clinical environments must be cold and sterile. We are deeply grateful to the artists, collaborators, and supporters who believe in this mission—because everyone deserves access to inspiring, uplifting spaces.
We learn the needs, challenges and preferences of our collaborators to craft project aims, artist selection and creative programme design.
Artist-led art workshops for service users and staff conjure new ideas on how mental health services should look and feel.
Artworks are fabricated that are awe-inspiring and relevant to those who encounter them.
Ambitious local and national public exhibitions celebrate the contributions of all those involved in our projects. We attract widespread national and international press coverage including the Guardian, the New Yorker, the FT, and BBC.
Our Digital Art School and partnerships forged with local cultural organisations and artists provide ongoing artistic opportunities for service users and staff.
Collaborations with The Baring Foundation, WHO, university and NHS partners support us to evidence our impact and influence the wider sector.
Are you a service user, NHS staff member, or artist who has been involved in a project with Hospital Rooms? We would love to hear from you about your experience. If you’re interested in being a guest writer for our blog, please email us at info@hospital-rooms.com.
150+ Hospital Rooms transformed since 2016
400+ unique artist-led creative workshops
4000+ service user participants engaged
160,000+ Digital Art School viewers across 38 countries
Webby Award, People’s Voice Winner (2021)
100+ acclaimed artists commissioned
Académie des beaux-arts European Award (2023)
Hospital Rooms collaborates closely with service users and communities, placing them at the heart of our work. This participatory framework ensures that everyone involved feels seen and heard. Whether you’re an artist, NHS worker, or looking for your next job or corporate partnership, discover how you can work with us.
