The final team of artists has been assembled to transform the new Shoalhaven Hospital into more than just a clinical facility as the $440 million redevelopment enters its final stages of construction.

The project’s Arts in Health program has officially confirmed its full cohort, with Glenn Barkley, Antonia Pesenti, Claire Foxton, and Nastia Gladushchenko joining previously announced artists Lara Merrett and Kirli Saunders OAM. 

Together, the group will deliver a series of integrated works across the new seven-storey acute services building, covering public spaces, paediatric treatment rooms, and the Mental Health Unit.

The initiative marks a shift toward healing architecture, where the environment is considered as vital to recovery as the medical equipment. 

Glenn Barkley

A central feature of the plan is an outdoor respite area designed specifically for staff and families who requested a space to connect with nature during breaks. 

Artist Glenn Barkley is creating Skiesful/Treesful, a sandstone garden sculpture using local materials. 

Barkley is collaborating with BirdLife Shoalhaven and students from the Aboriginal Cultural Arts Program at Bomaderry TAFE to ensure the space reflects the local community. 

“This work is about creating a space where someone can stop, take a breath, listen to the birds and simply be,” Barkley said.

Claire Foxton

Inside the hospital, the focus shifts to reducing the stress of medical treatment. A massive 23-metre mural by Claire Foxton and Nastia Gladushchenko will greet people at the Shoalhaven Street entrance. 

Foxton noted that “public art has the power to create connection and a sense of belonging, especially in a hospital environment,” while Gladushchenko added that her work aims to encourage people “to connect with nature, with place and with each other.”

Natalie Gladushchnko

In the paediatric wards, Antonia Pesenti is designing vibrant illustrations to provide a sense of play for young patients.

 “As an illustrator, to bring imagination, play and local connection into paediatric treatment spaces is an incredibly meaningful opportunity for me,” Pesenti said. 

Antonia Pesenti

These works join contributions from Kirli Saunders OAM, who drew inspiration from the grounds' large blackbutt tree, and Lara Merrett, who collaborated with staff on pieces for the Mental Health Unit.

The decision to integrate art into the $440 million build is backed by public health research suggesting that creative environments provide measurable benefits for physical and mental wellbeing.

Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital general manager Frank Bazik said that "public health and cultural policy research show that taking part in creative activities has measurable benefits for physical and mental health." 

He noted that each artwork has been carefully considered to enhance the experience of consumers, staff, and families, "creating spaces that support healing."

Construction of the new Acute Services Building is expected to be completed later this year. 

The artists are working with the project team to finalise the design and construction of the artworks ahead of their installation.