Bespoke Artwork for Gordon Smith Ward Unveiled as New Arts Project Announced for Patients Living with Sickle Cell Disease
06 July 2026
Artwork: Like a Bird, Acrylic, Oil, Pastel and Spray paint on Akwete fabric, 100 (H) x 150 (W) cm, Ken Nwadiogbu 2026
Since November 2025, Arts St George’s has been working alongside the Red Cell Pain Management & Psychology Service, Gordon Smith Nursing Team and artist Ken Nwadiogbu to deliver a series of in-person and online creative engagement sessions for people living with sickle cell disease, as part of the Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture ‘Culturally Mindful’ programme.
The project responded to a clear need: to address health inequalities while transforming the Gordon Smith Ward Day room into a more welcoming, representative and restorative space.
Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects individuals from African, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian communities, all groups that are historically underrepresented in clinical research. At St George’s, around 700 patients are linked to sickle cell services, with 8 -12 people receiving treatment on Gordon Smith Ward each day, and some patients staying in hospital for extended periods.
Recognising both the clinical and emotional impact of the condition, the project created opportunities for patients to connect, express themselves and feel seen within the healthcare environment. Through bedside sessions, workshops and group activities, participants explored colour, storytelling and identity through art.
"I feel like all hospitals should do this. Hospitals shouldn’t feel like a prison, you want to get better. Your mind is so important, and imagination is important too. When you combine that with recovery, it really helps. If your eyes are seeing colours instead of just a blank wall, it can affect your mood and help the healing process. "
Patient comment
Over several months, the project evolved from one-to-one bedside sessions in late 2025 to collaborative workshops in early 2026, where patients helped shape the creative direction of the final piece. Working closely with clinical teams, the sessions fostered trust, creativity and a strong sense of community. Ken introduced a range of creative techniques, including watercolour painting, collage and drawing.
Patients take part in creative workshops led by artist Ken Nwadiogbu
"[…] He found a way to involve all of us, and the way he did it made you feel like you’re an artist. It was so good that I even asked if they were going to do this again. "
Patient comment
The final artwork, Like A Bird, was unveiled at the annual Red Cell Celebration Day and will be installed in July. Reflecting patients’ voices and experiences, the piece draws on conversations around cultural heritage and journeys through life. Central to the work is the crane—a migrating bird with rich symbolism:
“The crane became important to this work because of what it represents: strength, movement and resilience. Cranes are migratory birds capable of travelling great distances across different conditions. They travel in groups and move through changing weather and uncertainty together. In this painting, they reflect the strength of the patients in the ward and the community that continue to support them.”
Ken Nwadiogbu, Artist Statement
“Before I turned up I was a bit anxious but all the anxiety went away and I started to relax and really get into it. […] Hearing Ken talk about art and his process […] really helped.”
Patient comment
As a key partner in Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture programme, Arts St George’s played a central role in delivering its flagship creative health initiative, Culturally Mindful. This initiative supported artists from the global majority to develop their practice within healthcare settings. Following specialist training, artists undertook residencies across the borough, including collage artist Asma Istwani at Queen Mary’s Hospital and Ken Nwadiogbu at St George’s Hospital, where he worked closely with patients on Gordon Smith Ward.
Building on the success of this work, we are delighted to announce that new funding has been awarded through the London Borough of Culture Legacy Fund to continue and expand the project. During the Autumn term, Ken will lead a new series of creative sessions incorporating live music—an element requested by patients during earlier sessions.
"[…] working with colour and art felt so good that I didn’t want to stop at the end. I didn’t want it to end."
Participant comment
The next phase was announced at this year’s Red Cell Celebration Day, where the Arts Team introduced this next chapter by creating art packs for patients and hosting a live performance by handpan musician Rosie Bergonzi.
With new funding secured, this work will continue to make a meaningful difference—supporting creativity, connection and representation for patients living with sickle cell disease.
A huge thank you to all involved: the patients who contributed so openly, the clinical teams who welcomed us into the space, and Ken for his creativity, generosity and enthusiasm.
We are especially grateful to The Mayor of London, Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Wandsworth Council, for continuing to fund this project through the London Borough of Culture legacy programme.
Arts St George’s (part of St George’s Hospital Charity) is the arts programme for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. To find out more, follow us on socials @artsstgeorges, or visit Arts St George's - St George's Hospital Charity
