Two new Arts Coordinators – funded by you

At the end of 2024, we waved farewell to Megan Dawes, Arts Coordinator for Nottingham hospitals. who many of you knew made a huge impact on arts activities across the hospitals. We’re now delighted to introduce you to our two new Arts Coordinators, whose impactful roles are funded by our generous supporters. Lucy and Vikki will  pick up where Megan left off and bring a wealth of ideas and knowledge to take our Arts Programme to the next level, to benefit patients, visitors and staff across NUH.

We’ll let them do the introductions…

Lucy: “Hello, I’m Lucy, and I’m thrilled to step into the role of Arts Coordinator at NUH. I’ve spent over 20 years working in the arts as a Creative Producer, Dance Artist, and Facilitator, with a focus on creating meaningful projects that enhance wellbeing and foster community connections. I’m deeply passionate about the transformative power of the arts, and I can’t wait to bring creative experiences to NUH that uplift, inspire and connect people in impactful ways.”

Vikki: “Hi! I’m Vikki Jones, and I am delighted to be one of the new NUH Arts Coordinators. Art is a huge part of my life, both personally (I love to sing, dance and knit!) and professionally, and have spent nearly two decades working with artists, educators and communities across the country, using art as a tool to help people feel healthier and happier.”

How will your previous experience impact patients at Nottingham hospitals?   

Lucy: “I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of roles, including as Co-Director of Wriggle Dance Theatre, a registered charity, where I produced nationally touring performances and ran extensive creative projects in schools and communities. I’ve also worked with a County Council Arts Development team and with the Royal Shakespeare Company as part of their Creative Placemaking and Public Programmes Team.”

Vikki: “I’ve spent my career planning, facilitating, curating and evaluating ambitious participant-informed arts projects, a foundation that directly supports holistic care in a hospital setting. I originally come from a background in dance, but over the past decade, I have worked across a wide range of art forms for arts venues, festivals, exam boards, and development organisations, all with a central focus on using creativity to improve emotional and physical health. 

Lucy: “Of the projects, I’m most proud of, two are hospital projects - an interactive bedside performance co-created with children in the hospital, and an innovative dance project for adult oncology patients, which both offered physical and emotional support and showed the impact arts can have both on patients and staff within the hospital. 

Vikki: “Through multiple collaborations, art works, exhibits and live performances, I’ve learnt how to apply art as a powerful tool for emotional healing and social connections. These skills will help me in my role to help reduce stress, enhance mental health, and support the overall well-being of patients and staff. 

What are you most looking forward to? 

Lucy: “Having witnessed first-hand the profound impact of the arts in healthcare settings, I’m eager to contribute more broadly to designing the Nottingham Hospitals Charity Arts Programme and to build collaborative pieces on a national level which can showcase their positive impact.”

Vikki: “After creating pieces on a national level, I’m looking forward to humanising and enhancing people’s experiences in a hospital setting. NUH also holds a deeply personal significance for me. I was born at City Hospital, two of my children were born at QMC, and my parents worked here. Many of my family and friends are still part of this community. Walking through the front door felt like coming home.” 

Lucy: “This role brings together everything I’m most passionate about: creating transformative arts experiences, working with a diverse community, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. I’m excited by the potential to enhance patient care, support staff wellbeing and improve the visitor experience through creative health initiatives. 

"I’m particularly excited about bringing creative activities directly onto the wards, providing moments of distraction, expression, and connection for patients of all ages. These experiences can be incredibly powerful, offering a sense of joy and community in what can be a challenging environment.” Vikki: “Art is about connecting, celebrating and sharing the human experience and there are so many ways we want to do that at NUH. I’m excited about meeting new people, sharing new stories and finding new ways to bring joy and hope to people’s experiences at NUH, both as staff, patients and visitors."

We’re thrilled to welcome Lucy and Vikki to Team NUH and we’re excited to work alongside with them to improve arts across Nottingham hospitals.