National News

A £45,000 commissioning prize for an outdoor sculpture in Bishops Square, Spitalfields, London has been announced. The Prize is open to artists across the UK and the deadline for proposals is 1^st September 2009.
w: www.spitalfields.co.uk/sculpture

The University of the West of England's Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is offering nine PhD student bursaries. One of the key areas identified for support is that of healthy communities. Within this strand there is an opportunity for a researcher to develop a project exploring the social impact of arts (including music, drama, performance, dance, creative writing and other art forms) and/or topics relating to health and artistic communities.

w: hls.uwe.ac.uk/research/healthy-communities.aspx

Arts in health consultant, Josie Aston is carrying out research into the role of hospital arts co-ordinators. The research is designed to look at what this role involves and how it can be better supported. The project will focus on NHS hospitals in England, focusing on hospital environments specifically. To take part in the research, e: josie.aston@gmail.com

The Campaign for Drawing has now opened free registration for The Big Draw 2009 which willo run through October. The Big Draw is a month-long season of events that encourage creative participation. Events can include anything from painting to stop-motion film.

w: www.campaignfordrawing.org/bigdraw

Lord (Alan) Howarth, who initiated last year's debate on arts and health in the House of Lords, has asked a number of questions in the House about the Department of Health's work on arts and health. The new Departmental working group on arts and health is chaired by Professor Louis Appleby and Professor Rob Smith. The group is currently "considering how arts and health can be included more regularly in [the Department of Health's] policies, and whether systems and incentives should be adapted to reflect the contribution of arts and health."

The Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council of Wales has launched 'Arts in Health and Wellbeing' an action plan designed to increase understanding of the role of the arts in health and wellbeing in Wales as well as providing guidance and information for the development of arts and health initiatives. The plan looks at ways creative outlets can improve physical and mental wellbeing, highlighting key projects in Wales and incorporates a guidance document on promoting and developing successful arts and health projects.

Following a period of consultation, the National Campaign for the Arts has published a draft copy of its arts manifesto in advance of the next general election. It attempts to establish a vision for the arts in the UK and to detail how the arts can be helped to contribute to society. The role the arts can play in wellbeing features strongly throughout the draft as does a challenge to politicians to embed the arts across government policy. The finalised manifesto will be launched in June.

Applications have opened for the 2009 Building Better Healthcare Awards. With categories including best use of visual arts in healthcare, best use of interior design and best hospital design, the awards are open to projects completed between July 2008 and July 2009. The deadline for entries is June 15th. For full eligibility details and the judging criteria, w:  www.bbhealthcare.co.uk/awards

The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is inviting nominations for individuals or organisations/projects whose work has furthered the field of Arts and Mental Health

Nominations should be received by July 3rd and will be considered by a special Award Committee established by the RSPH. A decision will be announced by the end of July 2009, and the award will be presented during the Annual General Meeting of the RSPH in September. w: www.rsph.org.uk

Arts in health consultancy, Willis Newson, has been commissioned by Ixia, the national public art think tank, to produce guidance on commissioning art for new health initiatives. The Public Art in Healthcare Guidance is being developed through seminars and research and will be published later this year.

Willis Newson is seeking input from those in the sector with experience of implementing public art projects in the healthcare sector. To contribute to this survey, click here