Water is the Heart of the City

Water is the Heart of the City

The Suttie Arts Space
30  November 2024 – 14 February 2025

In November 2014 Grampian Hospitals Art Trust (GHAT) opened The Suttie Arts Space, the only commissioning contemporary arts space to be found in an acute hospital in Britain in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and has successfully been programming it for the past 10 years.

For the 10th anniversary exhibition, Claire Macdonald was invited to change the physicality of The Suttie Arts Space to create a less clinical and gallery-like environment. Claire is a socially engaged artist and theatre designer based in the Highlands. Her practice is multidisciplinary, primarily taking the form of installation. She works across theatre design and production, community arts, education, and visual art.

After speaking to patients about their hospital stay, Claire drew inspiration from their responses to nature and the key environmental features and industries of Aberdeen; the coast, the rivers, the fishing industry, the vaulted arches of the city centre and Aberdeen’s historical link to the textiles industry.

A natural grotto theme emerged during the development of this project, water is the heart of the city’s existence and the shorter daylight hours during the winter months allowed the focus to be on light and movement. Aspects which hold a universal connection to well-being.

10 years of The Suttie Arts Space

The Suttie Arts Space was made possible through the generous support of Ian and Dorothy Suttie. The Exhibition Programme has been funded by Creative Scotland and the Aberdeen City Council Creative Fund among many other supporters. The funding supports the commissioning of artists and designers to create new work users of this NHS Grampian site to enjoy and engage with. Over the past decade 64 artists, designers, arts collectives and curators have worked to make new work for this unique space.

As well as the artists GHAT has collaborated with organisations such as Sound Festival, Dance Live, Look Again, Transition Extreme, ACC Creative Learning, Chemikal Underground Records, Summerhall, Aberdeen Performing Arts, and Grays and Moray Schools of Art and Cornhill Primary School to deliver exhibitions and installations for staff, pateints and visitors on the Foresterhill site.

In 2017, The Suttie Arts Space won The Building Better Healthcare Award for Collaborative Arts Project.

Exhibition Handout

Funded by Aberdeen City Council Creative Fund and Creative Scotland

Other Exhibitions

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

GHAT has been programming exhibitions in The Small Gallery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary since 2013 and welcome proposals all year round. 

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