RCSI Nursing and Midwifery Commission
A commission by RCSI to commemorate the 40th Annual International Nursing & Midwifery Research and Education Conference.
To mark the 40th Annual International Nursing & Midwifery Research and Education Conference, RCSI Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery wished to commission a new sculpture for the RCSI Art Collection. RCSI sought proposals either under the theme of ‘care and compassion’ or for a pair of busts depicting Elizabeth O'Farrell (1883 – 1957) and Florence Nightingale (1820 – 1910).
Business to Arts worked closely with RCSI to develop a detailed artist brief with options to respond to a figurative option and an abstract option. A small selection of artists were approached via a limited call with the option of responding to either or both of the brief options.
The artists were provided with payment for their response to the brief to ensure the highest quality of proposals. These proposals were presented to the RCSI art committee and scored on a matrix drawn from the selection criteria detailed in the brief.
John Rainey’s figurative proposal comprising two busts of Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth O’Farrell was the successful proposal. John’s proposal demonstrated exceptional research into the historical attire, textures and hairstyles of the subjects. His proposal also deeply considered the materials symbolic and cultural significance as well as demonstrating the use of cutting-edge technology such as CNC machinery.
- Creation of two new sculptures for the RCSI Art Collection to commemorate the 40th Annual International Nursing & Midwifery Research and Education Conference
- Payment provided to selected artists for their response to the brief to ensure high-quality proposals
- John Rainey's proposal, comprising two busts of Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth O’Farrell, was successfully chosen
- Addition of new sculptures to the RCSI Art Collection to celebrate the conference and recognize the contributions of nursing and midwifery
- Re-invigorating the sculptural bust collection of RCSI with contemporary busts sitting alongside traditional works.
- Contributing to a greater representation of Women's contributions to medicine including that of lgbtq women.
- Recognition and support of artists through payment for their proposals
- Reflection of RCSI's commitment to promoting the arts and recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the conference
