Shape Shift Converse Rework

Shape Shift Converse Rework is an exhibition that tells the stories of a three-year collaborative project at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich, which commissioned 15 international artists to work with patients and staff to create major artworks.

This exhibition has been informed by a research collaboration with Hospital Rooms, Norwich University of the Arts, and a Lived Experience Team of co-researchers who are evaluating this large-scale multi-site Arts Intervention at Hellesdon Hospital.

In a series of monthly workshops using creative, arts-based and material research methods, the lived experience co-researchers have engaged with a creative, critical and embodied retelling of the old and new hospital spaces by those who have and will live there. These artistic outcomes are represented at Hungate Medieval Art, inviting the audience to use all their senses to experience the personal and the public transformation and impact of the arts in mental health hospital spaces.

The Hellesdon Hospital Project was a partnership project delivered by Norwich University of Arts, Hospital Rooms and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Supported by COAT Paints, Hauser & Wirth and Arts Council England. Our cultural partners were Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and the Sainsbury Centre.

Exhibition Information

3 – 15 July – 10am-4pm (1pm-4pm on Sundays)

19 – 27 July – Weekends only (Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm)

Artists: Sarah Dwyer, Errol Francis, Michael Landy, Ghislaine Leung, Shepherd Manyika, Jade de Montserrat, Ken Nwadiogbu, Ṣọlá Olúlòde, Nengi Omuku, Fabian Peake, Heather Phillipson, Holly Sandiford, Dolly Sen, Mark Titchner, Rosa-Johan Uddoh.

Co-Curators: Sophie Bagge, Fenn Harris, Mark Jennings, Su Pashley, Jodie Rowe, Holly Sandiford, Tim A Shaw, Nicola Simpson, Tim Steer, Niamh White.

Public Opening

Wednesday 2 July
6-8pm
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Artist Talk & Performance Evening

Wednesday 9 July
6-8pm
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Join artists Holly Sandiford and Dolly Sen for an insightful conversation, led by Jodie Rowe, exploring the themes behind Shape Shift Converse Rework, a thought-provoking exhibition that challenges conventional narratives through transformation, dialogue, and disruption. The evening will also include a live performance by Mark Jennings.

Public Workshop

In Blue: A cyanotype workshop
Saturday 12 July
2-4pm

Join artist Holly Sandiford for this free, hands-on cyanotype workshop. You’ll use photo negatives and collage techniques to create your own cyanotype print, exploring your personal thoughts and feelings about the Hospital Rooms project at Hellesdon Hospital. No experience needed—all materials provided, and everyone is welcome. Suitable for ages 12+.

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