Canterbury Hospital shows appreciation for 2024 March Arts artists.
 

Canterbury Girls High School student Bhavana Alagiri’s new artwork is one of sixteen new pieces hung on the walls inside Canterbury Hospital.

The self-taught Year 12 student has been doing art since she was seven years old, and always had a passion for the creative arts.

“It’s about connecting to my culture but also reflecting about how important culture is,” Bhavana said.

“I also wanted to challenge myself because this is my first portrait painting I’ve ever done. I’ve always done small ones in pencil shading, and this was my first painting,” 

Bhavana and her sister Jeerna are a few of the school-aged artists involved this year, as part of the Sydney Local Health District 2024 March Arts celebration. 

Canterbury residents interested in showcasing their creative talents were provided with blank canvases and invited to complete their work throughout the year. The initiative culminated ina gallery showcase morning tea at Canterbury Hospital. 

“All the artists at the morning tea were appreciative of the opportunity to make a contribution to their local hospital and really enjoyed being part of this initiative that, over the years, has connected the hospital to the community” Michael Morris, General Manager, said. 

“Staff also appreciate the efforts of the artists, enjoy being part of the morning tea and meeting members of the community.”

Each piece of unique artwork has its own story that will be displayed on a plaque next to the painting.

“We’ve been doing this for five years now, and have 54 pieces of artwork around the hospital,” Sue Baker, Canterbury’s Community Participation and Volunteer Manager, said.

“The artworks bring life to the hospital.”

Members of the Canterbury community are welcome to view the artwork when visiting the hospital.

Held in March every year, Sydney Local Health District March Arts events showcase the wonderful range of art programs underway across District facilities, including exhibitions of patient and staff artwork, live music, poetry readings, performances, classes, workshops, guided tours and more.

It is also an opportunity for the community, including patients and their families and carers, visitors and staff to appreciate, contribute to and experience the wealth of benefits from integrating The Arts into healthcare services.