Look Around You

Dates:
2017-2018

Location:
Milton Keynes University Hospital

Caring for, interpreting and celebrating the art collection in Milton Keynes University Hospital.

Look Around You was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project began in January 2017 and finished in Spring 2018.

The aim of the project was to improve the management, condition, interpretation and engagement of the art collection in Milton Keynes University Hospital.

To achieve this, Arts for Health worked with 10 volunteers with health challenges who were supported by both the charity’s staff and a comprehensive training programme. There was a focus on uncovering the collection’s links to the wider story of Milton Keynes, especially as the new town was celebrating its 50th birthday. After in-depth research by the dedicated team of volunteers, the fascinating stories were shared with hospital staff, patients, visitors and the wider public through tours, a collection talk, an Art Trail leaflet and app, and online.

Over 50 artworks were taken out of storage, reframed and rehung in the public corridors, and several key works were restored by a professional conservator.

An event celebrating the hospital’s heritage, staff and art collection was held, with a lantern procession led by local school children working with Festive Road.

The project has brought recognition for the collection as an important part of Milton Keynes’ cultural heritage and inspired further projects. 

Arts for Health has benefited greatly from support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is now in a strong position to continue caring for and sharing the heritage of the art collection at Milton Keynes University Hospital.

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