Dozens of black-and-white photographs, themed around ‘motivation’ and the NRC’s tagline ‘Turning Adversity into Opportunity’, were submitted for the competition. The initiative was launched during the centre's construction to foster an uplifting environment supporting recovery and wellbeing.
A judging panel selected 20 final images, which were professionally printed, framed, and are now displayed throughout the NRC building, thanks to funding from the Nottingham Hospitals Charity. Seven of the selected artists visited the NRC to view their work in situ and tour the facility.
Sandy Walsh, Head of Operations at the NRC, highlighted the photographs as a great talking point for patients, staff, and visitors. She stated, “Many of our patients at the NRC are with us for weeks or even months as they receive intensive rehabilitation with the aim of returning to live independent lives, and the rehabilitation journey can be a tough one at times. Therefore, it is important that we have an uplifting environment for our patients, staff and visitors to enjoy during their stay with us. The beautiful black and white photographs throughout the building, and the motivational quotes that sit alongside the images, significantly help with creating that environment.”
“"Thank you again to everyone who submitted photographs as part of the competition, and congratulations to the artists who were successful."
Nigel Gregory, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, added, "Nottingham Hospitals Charity is proud to have funded the display of these beautiful photographs throughout the National Rehabilitation Centre. It's wonderful to see local photographers playing such an important role in making the NRC feel like more than just a healthcare building."
The National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), which opened in September 2026, is a 70-bed, purpose-built facility located on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough. It serves as a national hub for innovation, research, development, training, and education, in addition to providing patient care.
The 'Arts at NUH' programme, supported by Nottingham Hospitals Charity, enhances the wellbeing of patients, staff, and visitors through participatory arts, exhibitions, and commissions.
