Organizer Information
rb&hArts is the arts programme serving Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals in London. The organisation develops and supports creative projects within healthcare environments, using art and cultural activity to enhance the experience of patients, visitors and staff. For this commission, rb&hArts is working with hospital communities and people connected to organ donation and transplantation to create meaningful artworks that reflect their experiences.
Title & Description
rb&hArts Organ Donation Artworks Commission
Organ Donation Artworks Commission invites artists to propose and create two new artworks exploring organ donation, transplantation, generosity, hope and the gift of life.
One artwork will be installed at Royal Brompton Hospital and the other at Harefield Hospital. Proposals may take the form of outdoor sculpture, wall-based artwork for indoor or outdoor settings, or mixed-media work appropriate for healthcare environments.
The selected artist will develop the artworks collaboratively with patients, transplant recipients, donor families, clinical and support staff, volunteers and visitors. The project aims to create thoughtful and inspiring works that encourage reflection, conversation and connection while recognising the profound impact of organ donation.
Artists should demonstrate sensitivity to the subject matter and an ability to respond flexibly to the eventual installation sites, which have not yet been confirmed.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Public Art
- Sculpture
- Wall-based Art
- Mixed Media
- Participatory Art
- Socially Engaged Art
- Healthcare Arts
Eligibility
The call is open to artists at all career stages, including artists with experience in participatory practice, co-creation, public art, healthcare or socially engaged projects. Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant artistic experience and an approach suitable for working with diverse hospital communities. International eligibility is not explicitly specified in the published brief.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist will receive a total commission budget of £9,000 inclusive of VAT for the complete project. The budget must cover:
- Research and development
- Artist time
- Consultation and engagement activities
- Design development
- Fabrication and production
- Installation
- Travel and associated expenses
The artist will have the opportunity to create two permanent artworks for major London healthcare environments while working directly with patients, transplant recipients, donor families and healthcare professionals. rb&hArts will support stakeholder meetings, workshops, interviews and other consultation activities.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 September 2026
- Shortlisting: Week commencing 28 September 2026
- Interviews: Week commencing 5 October 2026
- Consultation & Engagement: November–December 2026
- First Design Stakeholder Meeting: December 2026
- Final Design Stakeholder Meeting: February 2027
- Fabrication & Manufacture: February–March 2027
- Installation: April 2027
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The two final installation sites have not yet been confirmed, so applicants should demonstrate flexibility in developing their proposals. The commission places particular emphasis on co-creation and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Artists should be prepared to listen to and incorporate the perspectives of people affected by organ donation and transplantation.
The £9,000 budget is for the entire two-artwork commission, rather than an artist fee alone.