Centre for Health Science

The Centre for Health Science is a purpose-built, multi-user bio-medical research, education and business incubation facility next to Raigmore Hospital and adjacent to LifeScan Scotland Ltd.  A generous slice of the building's budget has been allocated to a major public art programme, headed by Lead Artist Jacqueline Donachie.

Jackie has an international reputation for her socially-engaged public art practice, with a special interest in healthcare and bio-medical research.  In 2003 she received a Wellcome Trust SciArt Award for a work titled DM, which investigated a rare genetic disease as it affected the patient and her family, nurses, doctors and researchers.

For the Centre for Health Science Jackie will be creating a unique working environment by integrating art works into the design of the building. Landscaping, sign-posting, lighting and sound, as well as 'art on walls' will be affected by her overall vision for the building.

In addition, Jackie has facilitated the purchase of a major glass installation entitled Echbolic Garden (pictured left) by well-known artist Christine Borland, who also has a history of collaborating with healthcare professionals.

New commission opportunity

The Centre for Health Science invites artists & designers to send expressions of interest
for a short research-based residency in a new diabetes facility being developed in Inverness. It is thought that this residency will lead to the production of a fabric design that will be used throughout this facility.  The brief for the project is included below.

With a project budget of £10,000 to fully research and develop a design (but excluding all production costs), this commission offers the opportunity to be part of a collaborative process that will result in transforming the interior of a new building. Working closely with small team, you will have the opportunity to develop a design (or range of designs) that will be introduced into key areas within CfHS.

Submissions of interest are actively welcomed by practitioners working within a wide range of media – digital, print, sculpture, textile, illustration, film – and is not limited to designers familiar with the challenges of traditional fabric design.

Based in Inverness, CfHS is a focus for excellence in healthcare and biotechnology research, education, training and business development. Located adjacent to Raigmore Hospital, this facility opened Phase 1 of its development in 2006 and Phases 2 & 3 are due for completion in the autumn of 2008.

The Centre promotes & supports the activities of the work being undertaken in the fields of health science and healthcare, and is the first facility of its kind in the UK.

A commitment to the inclusion of contemporary art throughout the building was made in 2006 when Lead Artist, Jackie Donachie was appointed. This unusual commission is part of a continuing creative process to actively engage with the project’s stakeholders, to collaborate by employing imaginative approaches and to create a visually stimulating environment that is regularly used by an exciting and diverse range of people and organisations.

TO APPLY

Submit an expression of interest, disk with 6 images, CV & written statement (max 500 words) by Thursday 8th May. Further background on CfHS and a detailed project brief can be found on www.centreforhealthscience.com

Submissions to be sent by post or emailed to:

Susan Christie/Jackie Donachie
Centre for Health Science
Old Perth Road
Inverness IV2 3JH
Email: susechristie@gmail.com
jacquelinedonachie@hotmail.com

CENTRE FOR HEALTH SCIENCE COMMISSION
BRIEF FOR ARTISTS/DESIGNERS


The Centre for Health Science invites artists & designers to send expressions of interest
for a short research-based residency in a new diabetes facility being developed in Inverness. It is thought that this residency will lead to the production of a fabric design that will be used throughout the facility.

1. THE COMMISSION

This commission offers the opportunity to be part of a collaborative process that will result in transforming the interior of a new building. Working closely with small team, you will have the opportunity to develop a design (or range of designs) that will be introduced into key areas within Centre for Health Science.

Submissions of interest are actively welcomed by practitioners working within a wide range of media – digital, print, sculpture, textile, illustration, film – and is not limited to designers familiar with the challenges of traditional fabric design.

It is anticipated that a range of (possibly interlinking) designs will be developed. These will be used in various ways including covering and screening beds in the Clinical Research area. There are a number of practical factors because the fabric will be laundered through NHS approved process. The Appointed Artist’s designs may also appear in non-clinical areas and these areas may include upholstery, walls and on other fabrics.

The selected designs will be produced on a polyester mix and printed by Stead McAlpin in Carlisle. Costings have been based on a 4 colour print. Colour separations will produced by Stead McAplin from the artwork supplied by the Appointed Artist. Fabric will be made into screens, coverings, etc by Goldcrest, the approved NHS supplier.

2. BACKGROUND

A commitment to the inclusion of contemporary art throughout the building was made in 2006 when Lead Artist, Jackie Donachie was appointed. This unusual commission is part of a continuing creative process to actively engage with the project’s stakeholders, to collaborate by employing imaginative approaches and to create a visually stimulating environment that is regularly used by an exciting and diverse range of people and organisations.

Other arts projects successfully undertaken include a major glass installation entitled Echbolic Garden which is suspended from the ceiling within Phase 1 by Christine Borland, series of paired lightboxes by Jackie Donachie, prints by Toby Paterson and a series of sculptures by Mary Redmond which are about to be installed in new dental facilities in Phase 2 and a programme of lectures by participating artists.

Externally, a large courtyard has been designed to be accessible to the wide and diverse range of groups and organisations that regularly use the Centre for Health Science. Wheelchair accessible paths, lighting and planting have been integrated into the plan along with a large heated disc designed by Jackie Donachie that will create a place where people can congregate and relax in the open air.

Work on the courtyard is currently underway.

3. CENTRE FOR HEALTH SCIENCE
www.centreforhealthscience.com

Based in Inverness, CfHS is a focus for excellence in healthcare and biotechnology research, education, training and business development. Located adjacent to Raigmore Hospital, this facility opened Phase 1 of its development in 2006 and Phases 2 & 3 are due for completion in the autumn of 2008.

The Centre promotes & supports the activities of the work being undertaken in the fields of health science and healthcare, and is the first facility of its kind in the UK.

4. THE BUDGET

The budget for this stage of the project is £10,000. This covers full artist fees plus associated costs to research and develop a number of designs. This fee does not include manufacture and production which would be paid from a separate budget. An allowance has also been made for travel, as the remit of the Highland Diabetes Institute extends beyond the site in Inverness, with staff running clinics in many remote areas of the Highlands & Islands. It is anticipated that the Appointed Artists will make use of this budget to see at first-hand how the Centre addresses healthcare issues within rural communities.

Project Budget

Artist’s fee                                        £5,000
Materials/research allowance     £2,000
Travel                                                £   750
Project management & support  £2,250
TOTAL ALLOCATION                   £10,000

5. THE TIMETABLE

There is defined and agreed timetable for the building works and completion of Phases 2 & are scheduled to be completed by this autumn. To synchronise with the current build phase, we anticipate the Appointed Artist would commence this month to take full advantage of a number or opportunities to connect with key staff as part of a process of familiarisation and research. These opportunities include:

UHI Inaugural Lecture by Sandra Macrurie – 21st May (evening)
Highland Diabetes Group – 11.00am on Thursday 22nd May

6. WHAT TO DO TO APPLY

Closing Date THURSDAY 8TH MAY 2008
Interviews at CfHS, Inverness MONDAY 19th May 2008

An expression of interest should be delivered by hard copy or by electronic copy on a CD. Email applications can be accepted but must be supported by a disk.

Applicants are requested to include the following:

• Covering letter with full address and contact details
• Recent CV
• Up to 6 printed or digital images of recent work that are relevant to this commission (slides not accepted)
• A written expression of interest (maximum of 500 words)

In your expression of interest, please give an indication of your initial thoughts and a description of your areas of artistic interest or working methods, as well as an idea of how you might approach this project.
It is important to give an idea of your current workload and availability
Submission to be sent to:

Susan Christie/Jackie Donachie
Centre for Health Science
Old Perth Road
Inverness IV2 3JH

Email: jacquelinedonache@hotmail.com
             susechristie@gmail.com