Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Thu, 10 Sep 2026">published - Thu, 10 Sep 2026

Arts at NUH are looking for an experienced socially engaged textile artist to deliver 'The Stories We Weave', a creative engagement project celebrating and documenting the power of personal stories, collective memory, and shared identity within our hospital community.

Through collaborative textile and oral history sessions, the project will use NUH uniform swatches and simple hand sewing techniques to preserve and present the lived experiences and visual identity of staff across NUH's 20year history.

Working with teams at each of NUH's four sites, the lead artist facilitator will design and deliver sewing and reminiscence sessions that invite staff to reflect on their roles, milestones, challenges, and moments of connection. Participants will learn accessible hand sewing techniques and contribute words, phrases, and stitched motifs drawn from the stories they share.

The project will culminate in a curated series of 4 patchwork NUH uniforms co-created with participants during sessions, with the final high quality designs curated and completed by the artist, This collection of 4 final artworks will be woven from current NUH uniform fabrics and participants narratives and will honour the people behind our hospital and the stories that shape who we are.

These final artworks will be exhibited across the 4 NUH sites alongside the oral histories collected throughout the project.

Work will take place at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham City Hospital, National Rehabilitation Centre and Ropewalk House. The role requires the ability to travel to and work across all NUH sites.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK's heritage. The Stories We Weave is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to offer this opportunity.

Anticipated Timelines
Shortlisting 1st Oct
Interviews and selection W/c 5th Oct
Onboarding and Training 12th Oct
-30th Nov
Delivery 30th Nov 26 - 22nd Mar 27 - 28 x sessions delivered as roughly 2 x per week
(Sessions times will vary across the project to accommodate for NUH staff varying shift patterns)
Exhib. Install April - May 27

We are looking for an experienced socially engaged artist who has

A textile based practice, particularly hand-sewing and embroidary.

Ability to lead engaging, inclusive workshops for diverse groups with varying levels of creative experience.

Ability to work with community voice alongside holding overall artistic vision for the high quality finished works

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

Ability to work alongside a support Artist to deliver this project

Demonstrates understanding of participant dignity, confidentiality, and emotional wellbeing.

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

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

Experience of working on projects with heritage focus is desirable, but not essential.

Fee
The total fee for the project is £8940 and is made up as follows:

28 half days sessions delivery @ £180 p/half day
5 days creation time for final artwork @ £300 p/day
4 days installation for final artwork @ £300 p/day
3 days planning and project management @ £300 p/day
1 day evaluation @ £300 p/day
Additional contributions towards travel costs are available.

You will be working on an honorary contract with the Trust and appointment will be based on successful checks including DBS. You will also need to take part in mandatory training before the role commences.

• Job Title:
  
  The Stories We Weave - Lead Artist
• Artform:
  Crafts
• Role:
  Creative
• Contract:
  
  Contract
• Location:
  
  East Midlands

We are proud to care for more than one million people a year across Nottingham City Hospital, the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC), Ropewalk House and in the community, improving the health and wellbeing of people in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and beyond.