Artists are being encouraged to submit proposals to help create the main entrance area for the new Balfour Hospital in Orkney.

It was announced last month that NHS Orkney, in partnership with Orkney Islands Council's Arts Development service and supported by the charity Art in Healthcare, was inviting proposals from artists to help create a distinctive identity for the main entrance area.

An opportunity has become available for an artist to take up a six month residency within the old and new hospital and healthcare facilities. They will play a key role in commemorating an historic moment for health care in Orkney during the transition between the two buildings.

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The artist is expected to spend in the region of three days a month between the sites, which will be negotiated with the project team. The commission will embrace dialogue with staff, patients and users of the hospitals. The residency will allow unique access to the sites and the artwork created will be presented at the new Balfour Hospital and Healthcare Facility, becoming part of the permanent collection of art.

The second creative arts opportunity is for an artist or curator to review the Balfour Hospital's current art collection and develop a scheme for the re-hanging and display of works in the new building.

NHS Orkney has an existing collection of around 250 artworks, many of which are on display within the existing hospital. These works have been gifted over several decades or previously been commissioned.