Didcot's Brilliant

A reflection on artwork created by Didcot's Brilliant..    Over the last year, residents in Didcot were invited to participate in an arts project that aims to celebrate what makes Didcot brilliant with Artist-in-Residence, Dionne Freeman, who has worked with people of all ages and abilities in the town to co-produce artwork that will be displayed in the grounds of Didcot hospital and in the underpass at Didcot station.     The aim of the project was to engage staff and patients in painting and to connect them with the wider community (such as arts groups, schools, and community organisations).       Community members received participatory postcards for artwork to be sent back to the hospital. Called “A View from my window”, allowing people to share their view or an imaginary scene with patients who were also looking out of their windows and encouraging a connection.    This created an opportunity for all the community to engage in contribute to the art project and for patients to receive postcards whilst they stayed in hospital giving them a greater sense of connection to the outside world.     “It is magic to see the postcards from the children come through the post and to see how hard they worked on the pictures."    These informed the design of the large artworks for the train station.    Long-term Impact: Over time, the project may have lasting effects on the community's perception of healthcare facilities. It could lead to increased support for the hospital and a deeper understanding of the role it plays in the community's well-being.     Developing a place-based project around the hospital through art has brought about a multitude of benefits for patients, staff, visitors, and the broader community. It not only enhanced the hospital experience but also promoted creativity, community engagement, and cultural enrichment, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more connected community.     The most powerful evidence we collected about the impact on patients were the patients themselves;      "Doing this drawing activity has helped my hand stop shaking, It was really good for existing the muscles and focusing the movement" "I have been looking forward to this all week"    "I really want you to know how much you encouraging me to paint has helped my hand. Through painting it started my exercising of it which has transformed my movement in my hand from a week ago"    "I have been telling PALS all about the work we do in here- I think it's amazing and I've loved it"    "Gave me freedom. I have painted the sky as it makes me feel free. I feel like anything is possible when I see the sky and birds flying" "I feel calm"    "I'm pleased with this and I've had something else to think about other than my pain"