Artist to enhance University Hospitals Dorset’s new BEACH Building

University Hospitals Dorset Announces Exciting New Art Display at Royal Bournemouth Hospital

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) and the UHD Charity are thrilled to announce that Orakel Workshop, a south coast studio led by graphic artist and designer Jac Seifert, has been chosen to create an art installation on the exterior of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s new BEACH Building.

About the BEACH Building Project

The BEACH Building, a new six-storey facility at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, will house emergency services, critical care, maternity, and children’s units. Orakel Workshop was selected to create the display through a public vote and a detailed selection process involving both the local community and NHS staff.

Artist’s Vision and Community Inspiration

Jac Seifert, known for her vibrant digital designs inspired by people and places, will bring her unique vision to life on the BEACH Building. Her work is adaptable to any material and will reflect the local landscapes of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and surrounding areas.

“I’m thrilled to have been selected to work on this project at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and am very excited to collaborate with staff and the local community to create a piece of artwork for the BEACH Building. I look forward to exploring Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, and the surrounding area as inspiration for a design that will celebrate the local natural landscape, from the coastline to the forest.” — Jac Seifert

UHD’s Arts Manager on the Transformative Power of Art

Laura Joy, UHD’s Arts Manager, expressed her excitement about Jac’s selection and the community-driven process involved:

“Appointing Jac has been a labour of love involving our NHS staff, local cultural and heritage professionals, and wider community members. Art has the power to transform spaces and lift spirits, which is precisely what we aim to achieve with this commission. I’m excited to have Jac bring a burst of colour and creativity to the BEACH Building. It’s the perfect way to paint a picture of hope with our community for the future of our hospitals.” — Laura Joy

Investment in Future Healthcare and Wellbeing

The Trust is investing £500 million in enhancing health services across Dorset, including state-of-the-art facilities. This transformation will make Royal Bournemouth Hospital a major emergency centre and establish Poole Hospital as the UK’s largest planned care centre, helping to reduce waiting times. Additionally, the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is raising £1.5 million to further enhance the BEACH Building, adding special items beyond standard NHS funding to meet the healthcare needs of the future.

Project Timeline and Broader Arts Strategy

The BEACH Building artwork is set for installation in Spring 2025 as part of the building’s planning requirements. Funded by the Charity and Trust capital costs, this project ensures no funds are diverted from frontline care. Additionally, this initiative is part of a broader arts strategy across Royal Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch hospitals. Future plans include partnerships with local artists, schools, and universities, offering patients and staff opportunities to participate in visual art, music, and dance activities proven to support wellbeing and aid recovery.