The Ark, a cultural centre for children in Dublin, and Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, commissioned six major Irish artists to produce work for the new surgical theatre in the hospital opened last week by the Minister for Health.
The artworks are designed to make the sterile and unfamiliar environment of the hospital a less frightening place for children who come in as patients. The giant fish tank, pictured above, was created by Paul Gregg. It contains tropical fish, supplied by Waterworld, that live in a miniature Dublin Cityscape sculpted in stainless steel.
A CCTV system will enable children confined to the wards to view the fish tank from their TV screen. The Ark believes children, staff and parents in healthcare settings benefit from the diverting and pleasing effect of high quality artworks.
Funding for the project came from The Ark Cultural Trust for Children; the Department of Health under the per cent for art scheme, The Ireland Funds and Our Lady’s Hospital. An international "Arts and Health Conference" organised by the Arts Council takes place in Dublin this week.