In collaboration with the take heART project, work created by the Photography students is currently on display on the walls of the Imaging Departments at both Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable University Hospital.

The project began following an initial wellbeing questionnaire shared with hospital staff. As a result of this, the students developed a series of photographic, nature-inspired images, with staff voting to name the exhibits ‘The Art of Nature’.

Olivia Prisecaru, one of the students involved in the project, said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this project. It was an exciting and rewarding experience and I have learned a lot from it. I am confident that the skills and knowledge that I gained from this experience will help me to be successful in future projects.”

Various studies have found that looking at nature can help enhance people’s sense of wellbeing. Through this exhibition, the students hope that their uplifting visuals will have a positive impact on the lives and happiness of staff, patients and other visitors. As part of the project, the students also held a photography workshop for hospital staff which received lots of positive feedback.

Dr Nicoló Giudice, Senior Lecturer in Photography, added: “The collaboration between take heART and the Photography course at the University has been a fantastic opportunity for students to work on a challenging and meaningful live brief – one which not only pushed them to develop a wide range of creative and professional skills but which will also hopefully have a positive impact on the community.”

Take heART was formed in July 2021 by a group of like-minded hospital staff members who are all passionate about increasing arts accessibility for people who visit and work in hospital settings.

Speaking about this new collaboration with Bedfordshire students, Dr Rachel Chater, Principal Clinical Psychologist and take heART founding member, said: “As a founding member of take heART, it has been a pleasure to collaborate with the University of Bedfordshire. We are keen to develop links with local communities and have worked with the University photography students to support the hospitals' imaging departments.

“In consultation with staff, the students have produced a wonderful exhibition of the natural world. ‘The Art of Nature’ installation aims to enhance the wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors, offering a moment of calm in what is often a busy environment. A chance to pause and take in the wonders of our natural world.”

Lynda Linbourne, Imaging Operational Manager at the Bedford Hospital site, added: “Thank you to the University of Bedfordshire and take heART for the beautiful artwork. The whole team are talking about it and it's created a real ‘buzz’ around the department.”

For more information about studying Photography with the University of Bedfordshire visit the webpage for the School of Arts & Creative Industries.