The Integrated Artwork Project

NHS Orkney, in partnership with Orkney Islands Council’s Arts Development service and supported by the charity Art in Healthcare, commissioned Samantha Clark to help create a distinctive identity for the building which will also help provide privacy, where needed, throughout the glazed entrance and central hub area. Samantha’s work draws on the human relationship with the natural world. She works across video, installation, drawing, photography and creative writing. In 2018 she was awarded a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award.

“This is an important and high-profile public art opportunity in a much-anticipated new hospital. We want the main entrance to reflect our community and to be a lovely public space, and so we’re looking forward to seeing the ideas and proposals as they come in.” - NHS.

A third commission was awarded to The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) to develop a scheme of work to manage the hospital’s current art collection and re-present it, where possible, in The Balfour.

“The Royal Scottish Academy is delighted to be working with NHS Orkney in devising an art collection policy which will maximise the impact of existing artworks, build on this legacy and enhance the collection by engaging with the local arts community.” - Jane Lawrence, RSA Art Consultant.

There are works of art across The Balfour for visitors, patients, families, friends and staff to enjoy.