The strategy is aimed at further enhancing the role of art in enriching the learning environment at the university.
The strategy sets out a number of priorities including facilitating access to and increasing audiences for the art collection; developing and evolving RCSI’s own understanding of art; and revealing and interpreting the legacy of RCSI’s existing art collection.
The strategy aims to unlock the curiosity and creative thinking of RCSI students by exploring the intersection of art and science in curricula and in reflecting the diversity of the student population in its art collection and programming.
The launch hosted a panel discussion chaired by RCSI Professor of Anatomy Clive Lee, and featuring Business to Arts Chief Executive Louise O’Reilly, RCSI Digital Archivist Jessica Handy, and artist and RHA member, Una Sealy.
Speaking about the project Business to Arts Chief Executive Louise O'Reilly said:
“Hippocrates described the role of medical practice to “declare the past, diagnose the present, foretell the future.” It strikes me that this is analogous to the role of the RCSI Art Collection and indeed this strategy for arts and culture in RCSI. By collecting, displaying, and promoting art, RCSI can foster a culture that reflects the evolution of the college and contributes to a more vibrant and dynamic academic community.”
Aine Gibbons, Director of Development at RCSI and Chair of the RCSI Art Committee, said: “RCSI has a deep understanding of and appreciation for the role of art in medicine and wellbeing. We also believe that art can enrich the learning environment for our students and bring our community together. This strategy will build on the progress made over the last number of years which has greatly advanced the RCSI collection.”
Business to Arts has also supported the RCSI Art Committee on a number of significant commissions to date including: Women on Walls in 2019, the Cameron Award sculpture by Jason Ellis in 2020, and sculpture busts of Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth O’Farrell by John Rainey in 2022.
If you are interested in developing an Arts Strategy for your organisation then get in touch.
