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Artist Call-out : Poet, Arts at NUH (Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust)

  •  East Midlands
  •  Under £10K
  •  Part time
  •  Closes January 12, 2026
  •  Vikki Jones
  •  victoria.jones150@nhs.net
  • #Literature

Description

Job Summary

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to deliver a participatory poetry project at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, funded by Nottingham Hospitals Charity We are seeking an experienced, sensitive and flexible poet or creative writer to work with patients and staff.

Job Description

We are looking for an artist to deliver a project that uses poetry to uncover and celebrate hidden stories within our hospitals.

The project will be delivered over 10 days (approx. 80hrs), and connect with staff and patients at one or both of our primary sites (City Hospital and Queens Medical Centre)

We are interested in ideas that:

  • Collate and celebrate the stories and experiences of patients and staff.

  • Provide opportunities for patients and staff to read/hear poems and to create their own.

  • Improve staff wellbeing and patient experience.

  • Conclude with an exhibition of some or all work created, installed at locations across our hospital sites.

The total fee for the project is £2500 for 10 days work. You will be working on a freelance basis for a fee of £250 per day for a total of 10 days, on an honorary contract with the Trust kindly funded by Nottingham Hospitals Charity. This will include planning time. Please provide an indicative budget as part of your application.

Job Requirements

We are looking for an artist who has:

  • Proven experience in poetry and creative writing.

  • Ability to lead engaging, inclusive workshops for diverse groups (patients, staff, visitors).

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to adapt tone for sensitive healthcare environments.

  • Demonstrates understanding of patient dignity, confidentiality, and emotional wellbeing.

  • Comfortable working in busy, unpredictable hospital settings and adjusting sessions to suit participants' needs.

  • Knowledge of safeguarding principles and ability to work within NHS policies.

  • Reliable, punctual, and able to collaborate with hospital teams and arts coordinators.

  • Awareness of infection control and safe practices in clinical environments.

  • Experience of working in healthcare settings is desirable, but not essential.

Job Responsibilities

In order to comply with Health and Safety the selected artist will need to complete a series of mandatory training modules before starting the project.

These include:

Infection Control
Health and Safety
Fire Safety

How to Apply

To apply please submit a proposal, of no more than four pages (A4) that outlines:
An artist statement and copy of your CV
Why you are interested in this project
Two examples of past work/projects that you think demonstrate how your practice fits this brief
Two referees
Confirmation you hold Public Liability insurance
Access statement (if relevant)
Your project idea
Indicative costings

Please send your application in one PDF to [email protected] with the heading ‘Arts at NUH – Poetry Project’

Selection:
Submissions will be assessed by a panel of judges including representatives from the Arts at NUH steering group, Patient Partnership Group and Nottingham Hospital Charity. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview on Wednesday 21st January.

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