Bathurst MHDA – improved user experience

Task: Co-design the Bathurst MHDA Waiting Room for an improved user experience – Stage 1 Outdoor cultural mural.

Rationale: The current waiting room space is not fit for use, contributes to feelings of anxiety and is not a pleasant space to wait.  Making changes to physical elements of the Bathurst Waiting Room has the capacity to significantly impact on the therapeutic environment in the waiting room. Murals have the opportunity to tell the community’s story, create a unique experience, engage consumers and carer, increase appreciation for the arts and artists, and increase overall attractiveness of the space. Creating a welcoming space at the entry way can reduce anxiety. The designed outcome will reflect the values and principles of the service including recognition of cultural and linguistic diversity, inclusiveness, practicality, choice, personal space and confidentiality all underpinned by aesthetics.

Stage 1 of the project is to enhance the outdoor space to make it more welcoming and culturally inclusive.

Arts OutWest worked with the steering group to identify possible artists, develop the concept, commission and brief the selected artist and oversee the installation. The working group Identifed consumer group participants and conduct consumer consultation via a workshop program to inform the concept and design.

Workshops were led by Steven Cavanagh (Arts OutWest) and Kris Kennedy (Wiradjuri artist) working with consumer group participants.

The mural panels are now in storage as Bathurst Hospital will undergo redevelopment. These will be installed in the redeveloped Panorama Clinic.

IMAGE: Alan Sadlier