THE new Tamworth Mental Health Unit will have a distinctive local identity, featuring artworks by nine artists who have strong connections to the north-west and New England regions, including three from Armidale and one from Inverell.
Artists were chosen from 30 high-quality entries in response to a public expression of interest, showcasing the creative talent of the region.
The artists include Carolyn McCosker (Inverell), Leslye Coyle (Ogunbil), Stephanie Creigh (Tamworth), Isabelle Devos (Armidale), Theresa May Chatfield (Tamworth), Elouise Roberts (Armidale), Audrey Fogg (Tamworth), Phoebe Hillard (Armidale) and Peter Abery (Graman).
In the coming months, all artists’ works will be installed in the new facility, scheduled for completion by the end of this year.
The artworks will feature in interview and meeting rooms and will be reproduced as wall graphics in patient bedrooms, creating a healing environment within the mental health facility.
The latest announcement follows the appointment of three local Aboriginal artists late last year to produce artwork for communal spaces in the facility.
Health Infrastructure and Hunter New England Local Health District partnered with regional arts development organisation Arts North West to encourage local interest in the program and support capacity building within the local creative community.
The new Tamworth Mental Health Unit, which will replace the nearby Banksia Mental Health Unit, will include four adolescent inpatient beds, 20 general adult beds, as well as a five-bed adult high acuity zone and an eight-bed older persons’ area.
The project is being delivered by Hunter New England Local Health District and Health Infrastructure as part of the NSW Government’s $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.
Armidale’s Elouise Roberts is one of nine artists selected to have artworks displayed at the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit.
Acting Rural and Regional, Health Infrastructure executive director Nicholas Rayner, said the artworks will feature prominently at the new facility.
“I’m really pleased to announce the chosen artists whose work will give the new facility a distinct, local identity that will inspire and comfort consumers, staff and visitors,” Mr Rayner said.
“We know that integrating art, storytelling, dance and music into our health facilities supports a more positive experience of care for patients and their families.”
Armidale artist Isabelle Devos said she was grateful and humbled to learn one of her paintings will feature in the new mental health facility.
“It is my hope that all the artworks chosen for this space will help to provide healing for people experiencing challenging times,” Ms Devos said.
Tamworth artist Audrey Fogg echoed Ms Devos’s words.
“As a proud Gomeroi woman, Aboriginal artist and Registered Nurse for over 20 years, it is an honour to have two of my artworks selected for the new Tamworth Mental Health Unit,” Ms Fogg said.
“I hope my art brings a sense of healing and wellness to all who will see it.”
Artist Elouise Roberts said her painting depicts a scene from an evening walk in the Arboretum in Armidale.
“I am thrilled to have my painting selected to be displayed in the Tamworth Mental Health Unit,” Ms Roberts said.
“It is my hope the work will help to bring an element of the outside inside, to reflect the beauty of our environment and instil a feeling of serenity.”
Fellow artis Peter Abery, from Graham, said he felt privileged to be selected as part of the healing process for patients.
“It means even more to me having worked the last 20 years in mental health. Artwork can influence the mood of a room and has a healing power,” Mr Abery said.
