Highlighting the significant impact of creativity and art-making on mental health, the “Digital Art School” exhibition at Hauser & Wirth’s gallery space in Mayfair, London, runs from August 22 to September 10, 2024, as a result of a collaboration between Hospital Rooms, a charity dedicated to transforming mental health environments, and the globally renowned Hauser & Wirth art gallery. Together, they have worked to improve mental health settings across the UK, demonstrating that making art, seeing art, being surrounded by art can play a critical role in the healing process.

The ideas came to live in 2016 when artist Tim A Shaw and curator Niamh White, the founders of Hospital Rooms, visited NHS mental health hospitals and were struck by the stark, clinical environments. They saw how these spaces, devoid of warmth and comfort, could deepen feelings of isolation among patients. With their experience in the arts, they knew that thoughtfully curated spaces filled with vibrant art could change this dynamic. Thus, they set out on a mission to bring high-quality art into some of the most challenging mental health settings, turning them into places where patients could find solace and dignity.

The partnership with Hauser & Wirth has allowed this vision to grow. The “Digital Art School” exhibition is an interactive experience that brings the public into the heart of Hospital Rooms’ work. The exhibition space at Hauser & Wirth London recreates the Digital Art School format, offering visitors the chance to participate in live creative sessions led by artists like Abbas Zahedi, Shepherd Manyika, and Eileen Cooper RA.

“Digital Art School is a programme that’s very close to our hearts, and we’re so excited to bring it to life as an immersive studio experience,” said Niamh White, Co-Founder of Hospital Rooms. “The exhibition and accompanying events programme at Hauser & Wirth will explore different ways of teaching art and invite visitors to participate in sessions that are accessible, creative, and thought-provoking. ‘Digital Art School’ is designed to build connections and encourage collaboration in mental health spaces, and we hope more people will get involved this summer.”

The exhibition also features videos of art activities projected onto the walls, making the creative process a central part of the experience. While visiting it, you don’t just observe—you become part of the art-making process. The artwork created during these sessions will be displayed on the gallery walls, evolving as more people contribute. This approach reflects Hospital Rooms’ belief in art as a shared, interactive experience that fosters community and healing.

A highlight of the exhibition is the adaptation of Nengi Omuku’s artwork, originally created for Hellesdon Hospital in Norfolk. The gallery floor has been transformed into a large, blue sky, inviting you to walk, sit, and create. Hot air balloons from Omuku’s design will be turned into bean bags, offering a comfortable space for reflection and creativity. After the exhibition, these elements will return to Hellesdon Hospital, continuing their positive impact.

The ‘Digital Art School’ exhibition is part of a broader initiative that has brought artist-led digital workshops and free art materials to every NHS inpatient mental health site in England. All 58 Mental Health Trusts in England have participated in this program, showing the wide reach and impact of Hospital Rooms’ work.

The exhibition will culminate in fundraising auctions on September 11-12 hosted in partnership with Bonhams at Hauser & Wirth London. This event will feature works donated by leading artists from across the UK, including Do Ho Suh, Rana Begum, and Sutapa Biswas. Over the past two years, the partnership between Hospital Rooms and Hauser & Wirth has raised more than £725,000, with a goal of reaching £1 million to support further projects in mental health services across the UK.

“As long-time supporters of Hospital Rooms, we are inspired by the incredible difference that Niamh, Tim, and their team make, cultivating joyful spaces for healing that offer patients hope and dignity within mental health services across the country,” said Neil Wenman, Global Creative Director & Partner at Hauser & Wirth. “This third year of collaboration shines a light on the importance of arts education with the Digital Art School, and we’re pleased to support them in bringing this to a wider audience. We are also thrilled to welcome new Gallery Circle members, who have also committed to support Hospital Rooms.”

As Hospital Rooms continues to expand its work, bringing art into spaces where it’s most needed, this exhibition marks an important moment in showing how the worlds of art and healthcare can come together to create environments that truly support healing.

Read the full article on: www.forbes.com/sites/neloliviawaga/