Operation Art

Operation Art

Hundreds of New South Wales school students are hoping their artwork will be exactly what the doctor ordered to help make sick kids smile.

More than 870 students from 271 schools around the state channelled their creativity as part of the Operation Art program to create artworks that they think patients at The Children's Hospital at Westmead will enjoy. Of the artworks submitted this year, 50 will be selected to become part of the Hospital's permanent art collection, bringing joy to thousands of sick children. An additional 150 artworks will also be chosen for display in regional hospitals.

The top 50 artworks will be officially revealed at the opening of the 22^nd annual Operation Art Exhibition at the Armory Gallery, Sydney Olympic Park on September 10. 

Operation Art Project Officer, Lisa van den Dolder, said the artworks on display this year reinforced the power artwork has to influence mood and emotion. 

'You can't help but smile as you walk around the exhibition. The artworks are all so bright, colourful and optimistic, truly reflecting what Operation Art is all about - cheering up children in hospital," she said.

'This year we have more schools participate in Operation Art than ever before and it is really inspiring to know that behind each of these artworks is a student who wants to help their peers towards recovery.

'For children in hospital, art offers a place to escape from the real world of tests, procedures and treatments and provides them with a space for their imaginations to thrive and I think the students this year have really understood that."

Chief Executive of The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Dr Michael Brydon, will officially open the exhibition on Saturday September 10. The event will also include family activities and performances by featured artists from this year's Schools Spectacular, the NSW Public Schools Millennium Marching Band and the PULSE Public Schools Big Band.

2016 Operation Art Exhibition
Armory Gallery, Sydney Olympic Park
10am to 4pm
September 10 to October 30
FREE ENTRY

Operation Art, an initiative of The Children's Hospital at Westmead and The Department of Education, is proudly sponsored by ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation), giving Kindergarten to Year 10 students the opportunity to create artworks for sick children in hospital.