College students' mural for Rockinghorse's sick children

The five students, all studying Applied Art & Design, have spent six weeks creating the wildlife-themed artwork which is located in the children’s emergency department at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

The vibrant mural features a variety of wild animals and insects and will help to create a better experience for young patients who have been admitted to the A&E unit. It is hoped the painting will relieve any anxiety for children and parents in what can often be a stressful time.

Liz McCluskey, schools and community fundraising manager at Rockinghorse, said, “We are so pleased with the outcome of the mural, it has certainly surpassed our expectations and is a wonderful addition to the Children’s Emergency Department.

“The students have been a pleasure to work with and have really engaged in the project, dedicating two days a week of their time for almost six weeks.

“We have received excellent feedback from staff at the Alex and we hope it helps to create a more positive experience for children and their parents.”

James DiBiase, Applied Art & Design Coordinator at Sussex Downs College, praised his students for their hard work.

He said, “The students have created a fabulous piece of work that will hopefully bring happiness to parents and children in what can be a difficult time. I am very proud of the creativity, collaborative spirit and high levels of professionalism shown by Amy, Archie, Izzy, Sam and Vita.

“The mural created is typical of the high standard of work by students studying the Applied Art & Design course through their hard work, imagination and engagement. Working on a live brief like this increases the learner’s employment skills. It gives the students the experience of working to a real deadline, with client demands and expectations to satisfy.”

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