New Collection and Exhibitions Manager  appointed

17 May 2019

Emma Barford joins Arts for Health Milton Keynes as its new part-time Collections and Exhibitions Manager.

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Barford as Arts for Health Milton Keynes Collections and Exhibitions Manager, commencing Monday 20th May 2019.

Emma is a Midlands based visual artist and art educator with a BA (Hons) Fine Art, from The University of Northampton (2010) and an MA Fine Art, from Chelsea College of Arts, The University of the Arts London (2014).  In her practice she regularly engages in community outreach work. 

Emma’s current research demonstrates a particular interest in understanding the role that art and creativity has on mental health and wellbeing, and ways of articulating people’s sense of disconnection or isolation while in the company of others, particularly in the context of today’s digital environment.

Artistic & Programmes Director Stuart Isaac says: 

“We are delighted to welcome Emma to Arts for Health Milton Keynes.  She brings with her a range of skills and experience from her continuing part-time role at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum which wholly support the ambitions of our organisation.”

Arts for Health Milton Keynes is an independent charity based at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH).  We care for the largest permanent collection in the city of over 400 works, organise an annual programme of temporary exhibitions, events for the public and hospital staff and currently manage four Creative Courtyards within the hospital site.  In the wider community we deliver art workshops for many different groups of people facing health challenges, including people with dementia and young people going through a difficult time.

Emma will be responsible for the curation of the collection of artworks and for researching, interpreting and displaying a programme of temporary exhibitions.