In September 2026, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) will launch a new temporary public exhibition on the digital revolution in nursing, exploring data, technology and computing in nursing over the last 150 years. The exhibition will be displayed for 6 months in London and 6 months in Edinburgh, accompanied by a programme of events.
Through an artistic commission, we would like to involve nurses in the co-creation of an artwork exploring the digital revolution in healthcare. The artwork could draw on themes including but not limited to the past, present and future of technology in nursing, how digital advances and technology have impacted nursing, changing models of care in the modern era, and challenges and opportunities including robots, AI, data and digital communication in health care.
We are seeking an artist to create an artwork involving collaborative practice or co-creation with nursing staff and/or people with lived experience of being nursed. We are open to any medium and any method of responding to the theme. The final result must be installed in the exhibition the week before launch on 16 September 2026. The RCN Library and Museum team will support access to our nursing audience for workshops and idea sessions, which can take place virtually to enable broader geographic participation.
For more information about the RCN Library and Museum exhibition space, see the 360° photo view and the photos below.
How to Apply
Please submit an expression of interest and your CV by midnight on Wednesday 15 April to audienceengagement@rcn.org.uk.
Your expression of interest should explain in 500 - 1,000 words:
- the concept for the work including any visual ideas
- how it relates to the digital revolution in healthcare
- a brief outline of how the work will be created, including co-production and collaboration
- a rough budget breakdown (we do not have existing digital equipment that can be used as part of the work and all materials will need to be purchased from the materials budget)
The final work must be completed and ready to install by 7 September 2026. The install will take place that week.
If you require any additional information or would like to discuss the project further, please contact Sarah Chaney (sarah.chaney@rcn.org.uk).
