This spring, a creative collaboration began to take shape at the NIHR Clinical Research Facility (CRF): Oxford Health and by autumn, it had blossomed into something special.
What started as a conversation around enhancing the Facility’s courtyard garden has grown into the creation of a vibrant mosaic, co-designed and co-produced by a diverse mix of contributors.
Since April, staff from CRF: Oxford Health and Trust Research & Development (R&D) teams have been adding pieces to the mosaic at various events, including the R&D staff Away Day and the CRF: Oxford Health Open Day held in May.
Visitors from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Oxford Health, Pharmacy, and wider Oxford Health colleagues joined in, as did attendees at our South Asian engagement event in Rose Hill.
The ENGAGE group, our dedicated Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team played a key role throughout, and even a commercial sponsor dropped by during October to add a tile.
A member of the ENGAGE group said: “(The mosaic) reminds me of all the many people who are involved in healthcare and research and how everyone is part of such a big team that works together with a shared purpose. Each individual piece can seem very small but overall, the whole picture is something very complex and special.”
The project was supported by Oxford Health Arts Partnership and guided by local professional mosaic artist Becky Paton, who helped bring the vision to life through co-production.
The first tile was placed by Professor Andrea Cipriani during the Open Day, and the final piece was added by CRF: Oxford Health administration assistant Lakmali Gajaweera, marking the completion of a truly collective effort.
The finished mosaic was installed in the courtyard garden recently, where it will brighten the space and serve as a lasting reminder of the many hands and hearts that helped shape it. It’s more than just decoration, it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and community across Oxford Health.
Angela Conlan, CRF: Oxford Health Public and Patient Involvement, Engagement and Participation Lead told us:
“This mosaic is more than just a piece of art, it’s a reflection of the many voices, cultures and connections that shape our work at CRF: Oxford Health. Seeing so many people contribute, from staff to community members, has been great.
“It’s a celebration of collaboration, and I’m thrilled it will have a permanent home in our courtyard garden. Being able to bring together my work with the Oxford Health Arts Partnership and my role at the CRF has made this project especially rewarding, it’s a powerful example of how creative health can be embedded in a clinical research environment.”
Watch the video below to see how the mosaic came together or view the gallery of images below:
Contact CRF: Oxford Health: [email protected]
For more information about ENGAGE: How to Get Involved
