St Georges Hospital Charity Welcomes London Borough of Culture Intern
29 October 2025
This September, St George’s Hospital Charity were delighted to welcome a new colleague to our team, through the Wandsworth London Borough of Culture internship scheme. We caught up with Sadie, a month into her 6-month internship, funded by Wandsworth Council, to learn about her time with us so far!
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you found out about the London Borough of Culture Internship Scheme
My professional background is largely in arts education and engagement – I’ve always been really passionate about inclusivity and trying to engage a wide range of people in creative activities. I was born and raised in Wandsworth but spent some time living outside of London after doing my degree at the University of Birmingham. I was always planning on coming back to work in London and so was thrilled to find out that Wandsworth was London Borough of Culture the year I was coming back! It aligned perfectly for me with moving on to the next stage of my career and getting to contribute to the cultural landscape of my own local area.
What have you been up to so far during your time at St George's Hospital Charity?
I’ve been up to all sorts, no day is ever really the same! For the most part I am based within the Arts Team, which exists to positively impact wellbeing through creative activities for staff, patients and visitors alongside displays of the St George’s Art and Heritage Collection and enhancing the built environment. I’ve learned so many new things about collection care, curation and installation outside of a traditional art space, alongside working on the participatory programme, shadowing artists and helping to deliver workshops. I also spend time with the Grants and Fundraising team at the charity, which has been really fascinating. I really enjoy getting to see more of the charity processes from the fundraising at the start to the distribution of funds at the end, there’s so much hard work from so many people that goes into the process as a whole.
What have you enjoyed the most?
I’ve enjoyed so many things! Getting to know everyone on the team has been lovely. I was really surprised by how much I’ve enjoyed learning about Grants – as this was the furthest from my realm of experience going in, but it’s really interesting learning more about the complex systems that allow Charity funds to be awarded. I also really enjoy the chance to make art during the workday- the recent Staff Arts collage workshop was so much fun and a great way to de-stress. I would probably have to say that my favourite part of the job has been the St George’s Hospitals Staff Choir, though!
Have you had any moments where you have noticed the impact of our work?
Going to the Choir has been a great way to see the impact of the Arts St George’s programme. Attendees come from such a variety of roles within the trust – often working in very high-pressure environments, and it so evident to see what a fundamental role that being a part of a group of singers can play in wellbeing. Everyone always seems so happy to be there and to see each other and have such a lovely group outlet. Genevive, who leads the Choir, is so great at making sure that, as well as singing, the sessions focus on mindfulness and being attuned with yourself. We’re preparing for Christmas now so come and see us sing at the Festive Lighting Ceremony on Thursday 27 November, outside Grosvenor Wing!
What are you looking forward to in the next 5 months?
I’m excited to take on a bit more of a production role on some of the participatory arts programme initiatives, such as Staff Arts Club workshops and working more closely with some of the Resident Artists. I’m so used to delivering arts activities as an Artist but haven’t always had much of a chance to learn about the logistics behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to learning more about fundraising over the festive period, also, as I know that will be such an exciting time for the team!
Running from 15 September to 13 March, the London Borough of Culture Internship Programme gives young people aged 18 to 25 the opportunity to gain paid hands-on experience in the creative industries. Learn more about the scheme.
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 follow Arts St George's - St George's Hospital Charity
