Foresterhill – Past, Present and Future Exhibition

Foresterhill – Past, Present and Future Exhibition

The Suttie Arts Space
4 Sept – 26 Nov 2023

As part of our continued collaboration with NHS Grampian Archives, GHAT has commissioned 5 local artists to explore the absorbing history and future of Foresterhill Health Campus. Each artist was invited to choose from a selection of images held in the archives, as a basis for them to create new work while investigating the Foresterhill site.

We are pleased to be able to showcase the work of Jo Gilbert, Flying Lion, Adrian Reid, Carla Smith, and Nina Stanger.

Fiona Musk – NHS Grampian Archivist 

‘NHS Grampian Archives and Grampian Hospitals Art Trust have been working together to find out more about the Joint Hospitals Scheme, its origins and development, and how it created the Foresterhill Health Campus of today. First put forward in 1920 by Aberdeen City’s Medical Officer of Health Matthew Hay, the scheme saw the move of three of Aberdeen’s hospitals from the city centre to a new site with room for expansion. 

Much of the archive collection is made up of the written word, and the artists involved in the project have taken these, along with various photographs and re-interpreted these to show how the scheme progressed, looking at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital. Working with the artists and the archive collection has opened up new avenues of how research can be viewed and displayed, and provides different ways for people to view historic information. 

It has been a pleasure to have been a part of the project, and fascinating to see how the artists have worked with the material in so many different ways. Since the completion of the scheme in the 1930s, the site has continued to develop and expand and this exhibition shows how Foresterhill Health Campus was begun.’ 

Exhibition photos by Mike Davidson.

This exhibition has been funded by Aberdeen City Council.

In light of the current situation The Suttie Arts Space is only open to users of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. This includes all staff, patients and their visitors. For more information on The Suttie Arts Space please go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

 

Getting Here

Directions

The Suttie Arts Space and The Small Gallery, open 24/7, are within Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

We recommend entering from the Hospital Main Entrance which is situated on Foresterhill Road.

The Suttie Art Space
Entering from the main entrance follow the directions to the PINK zone – this is on the same floor as the entrance (floor 2). Walk past the cafe and shops and veer right onto the corridor. The Suttie Arts Space is approx 50m on your right.

The Small Gallery
Entering from the main entrance follow the directions to the YELLOW zone – this is on floor 1 which is one floor lower than the entrance. Walk past the cafe and shops and head down the stairs on your left – The Small Gallery is located on the corridor under the stairs. Lift access is available directly forward behind the reception counter and seating on floor 2.

Parking
Parking is available at the Lady Wood Car Park on Foresterhill Road opposite the main entrance to the Hospital.

Public Transport
The nearest train station is Aberdeen Station situated in the city centre.
There are frequent busses running to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Routes are run by Stagecoach and First Bus. 

Further Information

THE SUTTIE ARTS SPACE (TSAS) FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who manages TSAS?
Grampian Hospital Arts Trust (GHAT) manages TSAS. GHAT is an independent art and health organisation that exists to enhance the wellbeing and experience of all who spend time in NHS Grampian hospitals, whether patients, visitors or staff.  We achieve this by promoting the enjoyment of, and participation in, high-quality artistic activity alongside the provision of a sympathetic and pleasing environment.

What is the purpose of TSAS?
The Suttie Arts Space was built with a primary role as a place to enjoy art and to enjoy time out from the medical environment. Full details can be found here

What are TSAS’s opening hours?
TSAS is open 24 hours during exhibitions periods.

Who can access TSAS?  
Currently, only users of ARI – patients, staff and visitors. Under normal circumstances, TSAS would host workshops and events for the public.

Can I exclusively book TSAS for a team meeting?
TSAS is open to all onsite 24/7, therefore cannot be booked. This is to ensure that everyone on-site can have access to the space.

How many people can visit TSAS at one time? 
The maximum capacity of TSAS is 15.  As with everywhere in the hospital, visitors need to adhere to social distancing rules when visiting the gallery.

Is TSAS supervised?  
Currently, the TSAS is unsupervised due to covid-19. All users are asked to use the space responsibly and help us keep it open for everyone by reporting anything unusual to GHAT via email at gram.hospitalsarttrust@nhs.scot.

Can I eat my lunch in the gallery?  
Yes, of course. Please however leave the gallery as you found it & dispose of any rubbish.

How regularly is the gallery cleaned?  
NHSG cleaners access TSAS three times per day.

Can I move the furniture? 
Yes, please ensure you are 2 metres from other visitors at all times while also keeping walkways clear. Before you leave TSAS, we kindly ask that you put the seats back to their original spot.

Does TSAS ever close?  
Yes, TSAS closes around once per quarter for two weeks while the gallery is changed over. From time to time, we may shut the gallery for a few hours to allow for deep cleaning, or any other activities required to deliver our full program of activities.

Can my staff get access to the TSAS office?  
GHAT staff continue to work in the office when unable to work from home. When not in use, the office is locked for security and health and safety reasons.

I have a query about TSAS, who do I talk to?  
Please email us on gram.hospitalsarttrust@nhs.scot with “TSAS Query” in the subject header.

NHSG TEAM LEADERS

Where can I find keys to the gallery? 
Keys are not required to access the gallery as it is open 24/7.

Can I use TSAS for regular team meetings?  
TSAS is open to everyone, and there’s not a booking system for exclusive access. If you do use TSAS for a meeting be aware that there may be others using the space at the same time as you so social distancing rules and the maximum capacity will need to be adhered to.

THE SMALL GALLERY INFORMATION AND HOW TO APPLY

This is an excellent opportunity for new graduates and early career artists looking  to exhibit their work in a unique space. We also invite applications from local and national artists at all levels of their careers.

The successful applicants will be fully supported by  GHAT Curators, Marketing and Exhibitions team.

We welcome written, audio and video applications.

To Apply

Please download and read the application document below:

Exhibition Application – word doc

Exhibition Application – pdf doc

For further information please contact us at

gram.hospitalsarttrust@nhs.scot
01224 552429

The Art Office
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust
Foresterhill
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZN

Exhibition Terms and Conditions:

SUITABILITY OF ARTWORK
GHAT reserves the right not to show any artwork which is deemed unsuitable for exhibition in the hospital environment without further reference to the artist(s).

INSTALLATION
The exhibitor is responsible for transport to and from the venue. The Small Gallery is situated on one of the busiest corridors in ARI, therefore a GHAT staff member will supervise and organise the installation of artwork. All work to be installed on the walls of The Small Gallery must be fitted with mirror plates. Please advise if you are unable to provide these.

INSURANCE
The GHAT insurance policy will cover artworks on display, though there is an excess of £250, which would be met equally by GHAT and the exhibitor, unless responsibility could be clearly demonstrated. The Small Gallery is covered by security video cameras but is accessible 24 hours per day so work needs to be well secured and relatively tamper proof.

INTERPRETATION
GHAT will produce the exhibition list and any other information to be displayed in The Small Gallery. The artist will supply a list of all works with titles and prices, an Artist’s Statement and a current CV. The artist will also supply an image to be used for the invitation, which will be required two months prior to the exhibition date, along with an appropriate title for the exhibition.

PUBLICITY
GHAT will issue a Press Release and information for listings in local and national papers. Other ads can be placed by arrangement with GHAT. GHAT will cover costs of printing posters, flyers and all mailouts.

SALES AND COMMISSION
A standard rate of commission is charged at 33% of the gross selling price.  Artists will receive a statement of sales as soon as all works sold have been paid for, payment will be made to the artist within 30 days of the exhibition being taken down. GHAT is not registered for VAT.

FEE
There is no fee awarded with this exhibition application. GHAT will cover the cost of marketing, installation and insurance.

Galleries Curator

Tamsin Greenlaw |  tamsin.greenlaw@nhs.scot
Tel. 01224 551776

The Suttie Arts Space
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust
Foresterhill
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZN