Artworks unveiled as part of Culturally Mindful project celebration event
South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust was proud to host the Culturally Mindful Celebration event, bringing together the artists and their work produced across Wandsworth.
Culturally Mindful is a creative health residency and training programme which brings together Global Majority artists, healthcare providers and grassroots organisations to co-design new approaches to health and wellbeing. It is one of a number of projects brought forward as part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture celebrations.
Artworks displayed as part of the exhibition include:
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Held in Care Zine by Wandsworth Carers Centre and artist Francis Augusto
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Garden of Love’ artwork by patients on Queen Mary Hopsital’s Gwynne Holford Ward and artist Asma Istwani
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‘Like a Bird’ painting by Ken Nwadiogbu inspired by patients on St George’s Hospital Sickle Cell Unit.
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‘Through the Looking Glass’ a selection of hanging arts and crafts by participants at Sound Minds led by artist Roopa Basu.
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‘From Fragments to Whole’ concertina book and accompanying framed artwork by patients at Royal Hospital of Neuro-disability led by artist Rebecca Olajide.
Our Trust has been proud to support this project since it’s inception . As well as hosting a resident artist Shiza Naveed at 
our Wandsworth Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service ,we also provided Mental Health First Aid Champions Training for all of the resident artists in the programme.
Shiza explained: ' Culturally Mindful as a programme is really important to me. I’ve been delivering community engagement projects for some time, but it’s made me realise that my practice could be described as being related to creative health because of the positive impact it has on people. Time and time again I’ve seen what creativity can do for your wellbeing – it can be a really important part of care. ’
Speaking at the event Trust Chief Executive Vanessa Ford said: ‘It is inspiring and energising to hear from the artists about the stories and conversations that lead to the final artworks. I am proud that we have our own Culturally Mindful installation here in Wandsworth CAMHs, and that the programme has reached far and wide across the borough of Wandsworth. Programmes like this which engage and show the strength of our communities - as well as transforming the spaces that we live, work and recover - are essential for making life better for our communities.’
In total, 10 global majority artists c o-designed creative health activities with and for underserved groups—including disabled adults, young people, carers, and people affected by ill-health .
Jemilea Wisdom-Baako, London Borough of Culture – Creative Health Officer said:
"Culturally Mindful has been a powerful and necessary programme, creating space for Global Majority artists to lead, shape and reimagine how creative health is delivered in Wandsworth. The work we’ve seen across the borough has been deeply rooted in care, collaboration and cultural understanding , connecting with people in ways that feel meaningful, relevant and responsive to their lived experiences. It’s been inspiring to witness the relationships built between artists, communities and health partners, and the tangible impact this has had on wellbeing. This showcase is not only a celebration of what has been achieved, but a reflection of the legacy that will continue to grow from this work."
The event was also an opportunity to celebrate the launch of the 'Culturally Mindful legacy projects' , which build on the success of Wandsworth’s creative health programme, supporting artists and organisations to create lasting impact beyond initial funding. Delivered across community, health and care settings, these projects focus on improving wellbeing, reducing isolation and increasing confidence for participants, while also developing sustainable approaches.
You can find out more about Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture activity here.
