Exploring art’s healing properties for a new Kerry Hill Architects designed health precinct.

Context

Leading Australian aged care provider Hall & Prior are creating a high-end aged care estate on the site of the former Woodside Maternity Hospital in East Fremantle. The site is large, complex, and includes heritage-listed buildings rich in cultural heritage. Artworks are to be integrated throughout both the public and private realms and are a key feature in the Client’s vision.  Hall & Prior sought experienced art consultancy from a team who had a connection to the Fremantle area – in collaboration with artist David Spencer, Art Theory were successfully appointed.

Process

Working closely with the client, and the renowned Kerry Hill Architects, we started the project with understanding: visiting best practice examples of specialised health care, researching the role art can play in well-being and gathering insight from the many stories that shape this site’s rich history. 

To date we have developed an art strategy for the site and sought out opportunities for heritage interpretation.  This strategy establishes the vision for site as a whole, proposed locations, curatorial theme and mediums to form a cohesive collection for the site.  Additionally the strategy illustrates to local council how public artworks will meet criteria, to enable approvals moving forward.

We are also well underway with selecting artists and artworks to shape a bespoke and extensive collection consisting of Western Australian artists, shaped to enhance the wellness and sense of belonging within Woodside.