Four artists with strong local connections to Gunnedah have been selected to deliver a series of artworks that will feature in the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment, to create welcoming and supportive spaces throughout the new health facility.
The NSW Government is investing $53 million in the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment, which will include a new acute services building, housing an expanded Emergency Department (ED) and a birthing, maternity, and inpatient unit, which will support contemporary models of care.
Artists Warwick Keen and Ronald (Ronnie) Long have been commissioned to create an artwork together, which will be integrated into an outdoor canopy at the new ED entrance.
Ronnie Long was born and raised in Gunnedah and has been involved in numerous arts projects within the community. His time spent exploring the landscape and fauna of the area has inspired many of his works.
Warwick Keen lived in Mullaley and Gunnedah for much of his youth before relocating for study. Warwick has been inspired by his great Aunt Ms Violet Robinson OAM in learning about Aboriginal culture, caring and sharing. His artworks range from murals to large scale installations and have featured at Vivid Sydney.
Artworks created by Rachael Passfield and Monique Hope will also be featured in the new ED and birthing suite.
Rachael Passfield is a local teacher, mother and artist who actively contributes to the local community. Her artwork will bring joy and provide a distraction for patients and carers within the paediatric space of the new ED.
Born in Gunnedah and now living in Tamworth, Monique Hope retains strong ties to the Gunnedah community through family and business. Monique’s artwork is proposed to support the consumer experience within the new ED and birthing suite.
In the coming months, the successful artists will begin creating their artwork, with the new hospital building due to be completed by the end of 2025.
The artworks form part of Health Infrastructure’s Arts in Health program, which guides the inclusion of arts into NSW’ healthcare system to improve patient, staff and carer experiences in health services. The commissioning of artworks is carried out in collaboration with NSW Health staff and the community.
For more information about the Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment, please visit: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/gunnedah
