WELCOME – Art Installation for Alex Hospital

The Concept

Hospital staff and visitors identified a need to make the hospital’s only entrance more prominent for those arriving to the Alex. Visitors said they struggled locating the entrance, while the hospital stressed the importance of enhancing the clinical environment. The overarching aim of the project is to create a welcoming and attractive space, enable people to feel less anxious on their arrival, and to begin their hospital journey in a more positive mindset.

In partnership with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity and Arts in Redditch, Reimagine Redditch fundraised almost £30,000 from Arts Council England to commission an art installation for the entrance entitled WELCOME, to be completed in spring 2026.

The artwork will communicate a message of care and inclusivity and be representative of the town of Redditch. This in turn allows patients and their loved ones to focus on their care and feel better able to engage in their care.

A message from Richard Haynes, Director of Communications and Engagement for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust: 

“We want our hospitals to feel as welcoming and inclusive as possible for all our patients, visitors and staff. We know that coming to hospital can be a stressful experience, so by taking a co-design approach with patients, visitors, staff and members of our local community, we aim to revitalise the main entrance to the Alexandra Hospital and make it a more welcoming space for everyone who uses the hospital.” 

 This is a really exciting project which we hope will bring people together to create a focal point at the entrance to the Alexandra that communicates a message of compassion and inclusivity, and which represents Redditch and the surrounding communities.” 

Artists

We commissioned talented and experienced artists Neith Art & Sculpture to co-create this artwork.

Community, Collaboration, and Sustainability are at the heart of what they do.

Kim Neith Thompson and Rob Neith Nicholson, the creative minds behind Neith Art and Sculpture, are a collaborative arts collective.

Kim and Rob’s artistic journey is defined by their unwavering commitment to shining a spotlight on the issues that matter most.

Their projects serve as powerful tools for highlighting social and environmental injustice, challenging the status quo, and inspiring profound change.

Through their art, they seek to provoke thought, ignite conversations, and catalyze action.

Objectives of the Project 

The final artwork will be inclusive of and reflect and relate to the clinical environment and the diversity of local communities.

The project must also be a memorable experience for staff, patients and visitors, bringing local people together positively.

We are particularly keen that the project delivers against the 3 key aims of the project: 

• Transform the healthcare environment into a welcoming space for all visitors, patients, and staff 

• Co-create an artwork that communicates a message of care and inclusivity and is representative of the town of Redditch 

• Generate a sense of ownership between staff, patients, visitors, the local community, and their hospital