As part of the Practices for Change: Artistic Research in Action series, the University of Westminster’s Arts, Communication and Culture (ACC) Research Community recently hosted the Creative Health Study Day, bringing together clinicians, artists, curators and researchers to explore how creative approaches can support health and wellbeing.
Held on 8 July at the University’s Harrow Campus, the day considered how artistic research and creative practice can shape experiences and contribute to spaces of care, grief and encounter within healthcare environments.
The event began with a walking tour of Northwick Park Hospital’s public spaces and gardens led by artist Youngsook Choi. Using sensory observation, deep listening and reflective mapping, participants were encouraged to look closely to the hospital environment and consider the relationships, experiences and questions that emerge within these spaces. This was followed by a collaborative workshop where attendees created responses through drawing, writing and other forms of collective creative practice.
Participants later took part in an extended conversation facilitated by curator Annie Jael Kwan, exploring how creative health approaches can inform future projects and partnerships. The discussion highlighted the growing collaboration between London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust and Westminster School of Arts, which began during the Brent Biennial 2025. Speakers explored how artistic methods can contribute to the design and development of healthcare spaces and how collaborations between artists, researchers and healthcare professionals can help shape future approaches to care.
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Photos by Jonny Fuller-Rowell, 2026
Annie Jael Kwan 