Turning Work Places into Art Galleries

The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Western office today unveiled the hidden talents of its employees at their premises in Gransha Park House, Derry-Londonderry at the opening of their art exhibition.  The PHA is now urging other workplaces across Northern Ireland to contribute to staff development by encouraging their employees to unleash their creative talents and submit arts and crafts that could be displayed in public areas, providing a happy, healthy and inviting workplace.

Brendan Bonner, Head of Health & Social Wellbeing with the PHA said: “During the consultation process on the City of Culture which the PHA has been involved in, it became evident that there was a lack of exhibition space in the city and yet there were numerous public buildings which are easily accessible and should be used as a resource for promoting art and culture, particularly in the coming year.

“As part of our commitment to the City of Culture 2013 Initiative we took the opportunity to examine if the concept would work in our own building.  Health & Social Care employees based in Gransha Park House, Derry-Londonderry were encouraged to submit art and craftwork that could be put on display for other staff and visitors to enjoy during the 2013 celebrations.”

Brendan added: “I was amazed with the response and the level of creativity amongst staff with over 30 pieces coming forward for the initial launch of the exhibition.”

“Evidence shows that having a workplace health and wellbeing programme in place is good for both employees and the employer.  Employees benefit both physically and mentally from being in a positive work environment, workplace health also makes economic sense, as employers benefit from a reduction in illness-related absenteeism, improved working atmosphere and a rise in productivity. By encouraging staff to get involved we hoped to create an environment in which they would enjoy coming into work and an opportunity for them to engage in hobbies all the while.”

Welcoming the initiative Martin Bradley from the City of Culture Company, said, “The PHA are to be applauded for their enterprise in this initiative, this is the type of small steps that will generate the legacy that the City of Culture is all about.  The range of artwork and crafts on show not only highlights the level of creativity that is in Gransha Park House but also contributes to creating a better working environment and other employers should be encourage to take a similar approach.”

The exhibition is organised by a small group of staff in Gransha Park House and they hope to refresh the work on a quarterly basis.