Sharing is Caring by Artbox London

Friday 22nd November 2024 - Wednesday 5th February 2025
The Street Gallery, University College Hospital

UCLH Arts & Heritage is excited to present Sharing Is Caring, a group exhibition in partnership with Artbox London showcasing the work of nineteen of their talented artists. 

Artbox London is an art studio based in Islington for artists with learning disabilities and autism. Artbox supports artists to create, develop, exhibit, sell and license their artwork. Its overall mission is to increase the well-being and inclusion of people with learning disabilities and autism while also sharing their art with the wider community. Sharing is Caring highlights Artbox London’s theory of change which outlines the positive impact of art-making and engagement for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, and the importance of displaying this artwork in community environments, including hospitals. 

Earlier this year, UCLH Arts & Heritage collaborated with the Learning Disabilities & Autism Clinical Nurse Specialists and Artbox London to organise an artist-led creative workshop for patients during Learning Disabilities Week. The workshop aimed to spark conversations about learning disabilities, diversity, and inclusion while also acting as a desensitisation tool for patients who may feel anxious about hospitals or medical interventions. 

Sarah Cope, a clinical nurse specialist for the learning disability and autism programme at UCLH NHS Foundation Trust shared the importance of art for desensitisation within the hospital environment: 

“Desensitisation is a hugely important part of learning disability nursing, and we are always looking for ways to do this. Incorporating art made it more accessible to more patients. One patient was able to hold a tourniquet for the first time, which was a huge step for her.

The session being organised and co-led by people with a learning disability was also so important for ensuring we were meeting the needs of this group in an effective and inclusive way.” 

The exhibition with Artbox London aims to continue this work, using art to support desensitisation and amplify patient voices within the hospital. Each artist featured in this exhibition brings a unique perspective of how art-making has brought enjoyment, enrichment, and personal development to their lives. For some, artistic practice serves as a preferred way to socialise, helping to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Others find art helpful in processing their emotions and exploring their identity. Many artists have enhanced their communication and interpersonal skills while also developing their fine motor abilities. While some artists focus on the creative process itself, embracing a meditative workflow, others derive encouragement from exhibiting their artwork, which provides a sense of recognition and appreciation. 

Celebrating their talent and sharing their stories with a wider audience helps change attitudes about what these artists can achieve. Each artist and their work helps promote the inclusion of individuals with learning disabilities and autism in the art world and society at large. Sharing Is Caring invites you to explore these artists’ journeys and experience the transformative power of art. 

To learn more about the artists featured in this exhibition, scan the QR codes on the accompanying labels or contact Rachel Wilford at rachel.wilford1@nhs.net for further information. 

Engagement Workshop at The Street Gallery, University College Hospital 

Tuesday, 26th November | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a printmaking workshop with artist Violet from Artbox London, held in the Street Gallery at University College Hospital. This hands-on session will explore Violet’s unique artistic process, giving participants a chance to learn directly from her and create their own prints inspired by her work. Violet will be supported by Artbox London tutor Katie Parsons. All Materials will be provided.

If you’d like to take part in the workshop, please email rachel.wilford1@nhs.net  

About Artbox London Artist Violet:

Violet’s work has developed its own mythology. Coming from a Greek and Cypriot family, she weaves references from ancient marble sculpture and historical artifacts among her iconographic symbols – eyes and the faces of animals are prevalent in her work, in particular, the face of her black cat Delilah. The iconography used by Violet, expresses her ideas about what the next world is going to look like, both in terms of life and possibilities for the world, but also in regards to death and the afterlife. Violet finds her art is a way to express her love and respect for those that have passed, as it is customary in many Greek families to have an anniversary of someone’s death.


Community Opening at The Street Gallery, University College Hospital 

Thursday, 5th December | 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

UCLH Arts & Heritage warmly invites you to celebrate the opening of Sharing is Caring, showcasing the talents of artists from Artbox London. 

Enjoy free refreshments and a live DJ set in The Street Gallery on the ground floor of University College Hospital, next to the café. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, explore the exhibition, and learn more about the work of Artbox London.

Please share this event with your colleagues and networks—everyone is welcome! RSVP by clicking on this link

The gallery can be accessed through the main entrance of University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU.

There is ramped access and manual doors situated next to the revolving entrance. For detailed accessibility information, please visit AccessAble. The exhibition space tends to be quieter during the weekend. 


About Artbox London 

Artbox London is a supported art studio based in Islington for artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists. Artbox supports artists to create, develop, exhibit, sell and licence their artwork. Its overall mission is to increase the well-being and inclusion of people with learning disabilities and autistic people while also sharing their art and unique talents with other communities. 

Website: www.artboxlondon.org

Email: info@artboxlondon.org 

Twitter: @ArtboxLondon

Instagram: @artboxlondon


About UCLH Arts & Heritage

UCLH Arts & Heritage is the hospital arts and heritage project that serves UCLH NHS Foundation Trust and its surrounding community and is funded entirely by charitable donations and fundraising. UCLH Arts & Heritage is committed to providing a welcoming, uplifting environment for all patients, visitors and staff through the use of a varied and stimulating arts and heritage programme. Its work aims to improve the patient experience, boost staff morale, increase engagement with the arts and celebrate the Trust’s unique heritage and community. 

Since 2005, UCLH has worked to improve patient and staff outcomes through the Arts. It does this in a number of ways, including a changing exhibition and music programme, creative workshops on wards, artist residencies, commissioning site-specific artwork, and a staff culture club. UCLH arts and heritage receives its funding from UCLH Charity and the Friends of UCLH. 

Website: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/about-us/who-we-are/arts-and-heritage

Email: uclh.arts@nhs.net 

Twitter: @uclh 

Instagram: @uclh