‘New City Art Collection’ project: Eek & Wild

21 November 2025

Eek & Wild Contemporary Dance Company at MKUH

From Sculpture to Dance: Eek & Wild Reimagine Art at MK University Hospital.

This Autumn, Eek & Wild Contemporary Dance Company brought movement, imagination and joy to the children’s wards at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) through a vibrant series of performances inspired by the hospital’s art collection.

Working in collaboration with Arts for Health Milton Keynes (AfHMK) and the MKUH Play Team, the dancers partnered with young patients, families and staff to transform sculptures including Camel, Equilibrium, and Squatting, Holding, Looking and Looking through within into playful, co-created dances.

Eek & Wild in action! Performance practice: camel dance

Co-creating with children through movement
Using a specially developed “movement toolkit” of body parts, actions and textures, children guided the choreography — deciding how each sculpture might move, balance or come to life through dance.

Across October and November, more than 80 patients and 70 visitors and staff joined in workshops and ward-based performances. Memorable moments included a spontaneous group ceilidh in Equilibrium, siblings hugging during Squatting, Holding, Looking, and a child in A&E dancing joyfully through every piece.

“It’s the first time he’s smiled in ages.” — Staff member, Children’s Ward

Celebrating 50 Years of Play in Hospital
The project coincided with 50 Years of Play in Hospital, celebrating the vital role of play in children’s health and recovery. Eek & Wild’s child-led approach encouraged creativity, curiosity and emotional wellbeing, transforming clinical spaces into places of imagination and connection.

Performances will continue across the children’s wards and paediatric areas throughout December and into Spring 2026, offering more young patients the chance to take part.

Eek & Wild in action: performance practice - Helix dance.

︎Watch a clip of Eek & Wild performing a practise dance:

About the project
This work forms part of The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s investment in reimagining MKUH’s New City Art Collection, supported by Milton Keynes City Council and Milton Keynes Hospital Charity.

Project Funders
This project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The project is also supported by additional funding from Milton Keynes City Council as well as Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, who commission the services of Arts for Health Milton Keynes on behalf of the hospital.