Communities in Penrith and the Blue Mountains are invited to take part in a community arts project inspired by hope and empowerment, which will be incorporated in Stage 2 of the $1 billion Nepean Hospital Redevelopment.
Led by award winning artist Vipoo Srivilasa, the “Power Healer Superhero Project” brings community together over six drawing workshops to explore the healing power of stories, experiences and imagination.
The drawings will be collated by Mr Srivilasa into a design to be featured in the arrival staircase leading to the main entrance, made of ceramic tiles, in the signature style of the Thai-Australian artist.
Health Infrastructure Arts Program Director Brigette Uren said the community art project is an exciting way for the community to play a part in the art and design of the new hospital building.
“Collaborating with Vipoo is hugely exciting and, much like his intricate sculptures, he is full of personality. Participants will be encouraged to create a superhero with Vipoo, inspired by someone they admire or be entirely fictional, drawn from Nepean’s rich culture, or by childhood stories or folk tales,” Uren said.
“The arts program for the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment is about creating engaging public health spaces and improving wellbeing outcomes for patients, staff and visitors. Co-creating with community through these workshops, generously supported by Penrith Regional Gallery, is a great way to be a part of the project.”
Artist Vipoo Srivilasa said he was looking forward to working with the community on the unique project.
“Art has a special power. Using this idea as a starting point, I would love to see how the community is inspired to create superheroes we can incorporate into the hospital redevelopment,” Srivilasa said.
“I would like participants to consider their superheroes unique abilities. It might be the ability to lift the spirits of any patient or heal injuries with one touch.”
The top 10 superheroes will be incorporated into the public art design of the new Stage 2 Tower which is currently under construction.
The community will be invited to attend a drawing workshop on:
Sunday, September 1 and Monday, September 2
Location: Penrith Regional Gallery, Studio 1, 86 River Road, Emu Plains
Times: 9.30 am-11.00 am, 11.30 am-1.00 pm, 1.30 pm-3.00 pm
Participants of all ages are welcome to attend. Attendance is free but booking is important as spaces are limited.
Srivilasa was selected to deliver the Stage 2 public art design project from a shortlist of artists in an Arts Working Group which consisted of hospital staff and community members.
The NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion to deliver a major expansion and upgrade of hospital and community-based health services for Nepean Hospital with Stage 2 main works underway.
Stage 2 of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment will complete “Building A” by seamlessly connecting a new seven-storey building currently under construction, to the existing 14-storey hospital tower.
When completed, the additional building will expand health care facilities with an adult Intensive Care Unit, Medical Imaging, in-centre renal dialysis, more inpatient beds including a paediatric unit, and a new open and welcoming front of house and reception area.
The Nepean Hospital Stage 2 tower is scheduled for completion in 2026.
To book and for more information, visit http://www.nepeanredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au.
Lucy Randolph
Lucy Randolph is a western Sydney-based journalist, focusing on hyperlocal news stories impacting the Penrith community.