Smiles all round as we celebrate the success of St George’s Arts Week 2026!
25 September 2026
This year’s theme, Take a Journey, reflected both the physical and metaphorical journeys we all take, big and small.
The week began on a reflective note with pop-up poetry sessions led by poet Arji Manuelpillai in Peabody’s coffee shops across the hospital site. After brief conversations with customers, Arji transformed inidividuals' thoughts and feelings into unique poems, adding a creative touch to their morning coffee.
Meanwhile, on the balcony at McKissock Ward, harpist Anwen Mai Thomas provided moments of calm and reflection. Her gentle performance created a memorable atmosphere, demonstrating the power of music to connect with people during significant moments.
Outside Grosvenor Wing, we explored the history of pennant flags, traditionally carried by travellers and pilgrims on their journeys. Textile artist Nicky Simpson invited participants to create their own flags, decorating them with meaningful words, phrases and symbols. It was moving to hear the stories behind the creations and the journeys they represented.
Tuesday brought a burst of energy with a series of extraordinary performances from former world champion beatboxer and double bass player Rocco alongside Resident Musician Heather McClelland. Passers-by stopped in their tracks, captivated by the remarkable sounds created using only the human voice.
In the school classroom and later outdoors, participants were transported to India through a fascinating South Asian shadow puppetry workshop. They learned about the cultural traditions behind the art form before creating their own beautiful puppets.
We also celebrated the final session of our partnership project with Wandsworth Carers Centre. Guided by Creative Heritage Resident Artist Zafeerah Heesambee, participants reflected on their journey through the project and began planning how their work would be displayed in their forthcoming exhibition.
Upstairs in the Gordon Smith Day Room, Ken Nwadiogbu saw his artwork Like a Bird framed and installed for the first time. Accompanied by music from Rocco and Heather, outpatients referred by the Red Cell Pain Management Psychology Service explored the symbolism of the crane as a creature of migration before creating their own origami birds to mark their personal journeys.
Building on the success of last year, we were delighted to welcome back master drummer Abass Dodoo for a staff workshop. Joined by dancer Shardae, participants learned energetic dance moves and rhythms in preparation for a special performance later in the week.
Wednesday began at Queen Mary’s Hospital with a workshop led by Monique Jackson. Inspired by this year's theme, participants transformed handmade concertina notebooks into personal journals, using collage, stamps and mixed media to document their own journeys. There was just one rule: whatever they created only needed to make sense to them.
Back at St George’s, Nicky Simpson led another pennant flag activity during a paediatric staff wellbeing morning. Staff embraced the opportunity to reflect on the people, places and activities that bring them comfort during busy and demanding times.
Outside, Resident Artist, Joshua Bilton guided participants on a creative journey along the River Wandle. Using foraged natural materials, they created cyanotypes, harnessing sunlight to produce striking blue and white prints inspired by the local landscape.
Thursday proved to be our most energetic day yet.
The morning began with the soothing sounds of Resident Musician Beth Hopkins and Morgan Rickman, who performed for patients, visitors and staff outside Grosvenor Wing.
At lunchtime, our staff drummers and dancers took centre stage, showcasing everything they had learned from Abass and Shardae earlier in the week. Their performance drew an enthusiastic crowd and filled the hospital with rhythm, energy and celebration.
Later that afternoon, we hosted our first meeting as leads of the Wandsworth Creative Health Inclusive Community, bringing together colleagues from health, arts and local government sectors to explore the role of creative health. During the session, Joshua Bilton led a mindful nature-binding activity, encouraging connection, conversation and a little blue-sky thinking.
The week concluded with a joyful celebration with members of the St George’s Hospitals Staff Choir. Hosted by the wonderful Debbralee Smith Burns, the evening was filled with music, laughter and plenty of sparkle.
Throughout Arts Week, participants documented their experiences in activity passports, creating personal records of the journeys they had taken through our programme. Whether through dance, music, visual arts or poetry, each person found their own way to explore, reflect and connect.
St George’s Arts Week 2026 celebrated the many journeys that make up our lives and reminded us of the power of creativity to bring people together along the way.
