An art exhibition celebrating the work of local artists is currently showing at Berwick Infirmary.

Towards the end of 2024, Bright, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s official charity, called out for local artists to submit artwork to take part in the exhibition, showcasing talent within the community. Submissions were welcome from professionals, amateurs and student pursing higher education in the arts and while there was no specific theme, applicants were encouraged submit work that was uplifting.

With 50 artwork submissions from 18 applicants, 20 pieces of artwork were selected by a panel with representatives from Northumbria Healthcare, The Maltings (Berwick) Trust and a Fine Art University Lecturer. Through the chosen pieces common themes emerged of Berwick, the River Tweed and coastline, and nature.

Artwork has been proven to enhance hospital environments and can contribute to improving the wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff. Having artwork on display can also provide a welcome distraction.

Katie Dawson, Healing Arts programme manager, said: “The community in Berwick is rich with passion for the arts and we really wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate some local talent.

“With so many fantastic submissions, it was a difficult decision to select the final pieces of artwork.”

The exhibition has really brightened up the hospital corridor and it’s great to see the patients and staff taking an interest and enjoying the artwork. I would like to thank all everyone who has taken part.”

Marion Dickson, Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals, said: “It’s incredible that this new exhibition is celebrating talent within Berwick and bringing the community together. The wellbeing of our patients, visitors and staff is of high importance to us and this extends to the artists involved. They’ve taken an opportunity to get involved with a project they’re passionate about and have boosted their own wellbeing in the process.”

This exhibition has been organised by Northumbria Healthcare’s Bright charity, who have developed an award-winning healing arts programme to enhance the healthcare environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

It will be on display until the end of May 2025 and some of the artwork will be available to purchase at the end of the exhibition.