Meet the team

"I believe art should be available and accessible to everyone, no matter who you are or where you are. Enhancing the hospital environment with artwork, in a place that is often challenging to be in, is very important to me."

The diversity in us means we can each gain different things from art; it can even serve as a language to communicate complex emotions and ideas that words often fail to express. Art can start conversations, change moods, and bring joy to its viewers. It brings me immense satisfaction to manage creative projects in a healthcare setting, transforming the team's vision into reality with a focus on providing the best experience for patients, staff, and visitors."

Victoria joined the team in 2023 as the Arts Coordinator, responsible for art installations across the Trust. Before this, she worked in the creative industry as a picture editor and art director, commissioning images for photo books and magazines, and managing visual production for large advertising campaigns. Graduating with a degree in Graphics and Communications Design from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2009, Victoria has over 15 years of experience in the creative and arts sector.

Signature dish: vegetarian chili, with all the sides

Pipe dream:Become fluent in many languages.

Life motto: ‘Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet’.

Party trick: Always remembering the wrong words to songs

‘I am interested in people’s stories and the journeys they make. I truly believe that the arts can help in the ‘healing journey’ and the projects I lead tend to be longer term and focus on specific in- or outpatient groups. I love to see people gain confidence, start to experiment, and get into that moment of flow where they forget their pain or anxiety. The arts complement what the NHS provides, it’s a great partnership, and of course it’s always great to see that the hospital staff benefit from what we do too.’

Mir is an artist and creative project manager with over 25 years’ work experience. She graduated with an MA in Fine Art in 1996 and has worked for different arts charities, mostly in the role of project manager, to support artists in the development of their practice. This was often in partnership with schools, community groups, and private sector organisations. As a freelance artist, Mir instigates projects with people from different communities and lately her work has focused on people who have migrated. She is a Trustee for BLOC projects and lives happily on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

Signature dish: Dutch apple pie

Pipe dream: To sing like Ella Fitzgerald

Life motto: ‘Keep on Running’

Party trick: Dancing like there’s no tomorrow

"It’s amazing to see the way in which engaging in arts activities and good conversation can significantly impact our patients. Alongside my wonderful team of volunteers, we have the amazing opportunity to uplift the morale of patients in our wards. Whether it involves painting, crafting a heartfelt card, or experimenting with clay, witnessing the remarkable transformations in our patients is truly heartwarming.”

Sophie graduated in 2017 with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration after being shortlisted for the Penguin Random House student design award that year. She then begun her creative career in Manchester working for a pottery studio. Here, she honed her craft while also nurturing her passion for interaction by leading engaging painting and clay-building workshops tailored for both adults and children.

Driven by her desire to merge her love for creativity with her enjoyment of connecting with others, Sophie made the conscious decision to pursue a career path that integrates these two passions.

Signature dish: Tacos

Pipe dream: To travel the world!

Life motto: Variety is the spice of life

Party trick: Origami