Interactive art installation brings creativity and calm to children at Whittington Hospital
27 May 2026
A brand new, interactive art installation has been added to our paediatric outpatient waiting area, thanks to a collaboration between Whittington Health Charity, Art Explora, It Is Now, and artist Danny Rose.
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Young patients visiting Whittington Hospital are set to benefit from an innovative new interactive art installation in the paediatric outpatient waiting area, thanks to a collaboration between Whittington Health Charity, Art Explora, It Is Now, and artist collective Danny Rose.
The installation has been created with patient wellbeing in mind. Many children visiting hospital experience anxiety and uncertainty ahead of appointments and treatments. By offering an engaging and interactive environment, the artwork provides a positive distraction and a safe space for movement and exploration.
The immersive installation features four motion-responsive screens that invite children and families to engage directly with the artwork. As viewers move, the artwork moves with them, creating a playful and sensory experience designed to provide distraction, stimulation, and comfort while children wait for appointments.
Cédric Péri, Artist at Danny Rose Studio, said: “It is both a joy and a source of pride for us to see our work and artistic approach, focused on sensorial experience and perception, being used in a therapeutic context. Bringing Plasma Reflections into direct contact with hospitalized children and their families gives the work a meaningful social dimension, made possible through the incredible work of the “It is Now” association, with whom we have been collaborating for the past six years.
“This generative and interactive work is designed as an intuitive, inclusive and sensory experience, opening a window onto another world and offering children and families a sense of wonder within the hospital environment.
“We are fully aligned with the vision of Art Explora and It is Now in bringing digital art into public spaces and into people’s everyday environments, helping to make these places more welcoming and encouraging moments of connection.”
Noémie Ganem, Founder of It Is Now, said: "Not every moment in hospital should be defined by illness. Art can create space to breathe, bring families together, and inspire moments of wonder.”
One young patient, Elias, was able to enjoy the new installation. Elias said: “I really like the screens - they’re so cool! I love new technology like this. I love how it labels all the motions you can do. It would definitely entertain you while you’re waiting.”
Sam Lister, Head of Whittington Health Charity, said: “We’re so grateful to Art Explora for so generously providing an artistic source of distraction and fun for our young patients at a time when they’re likely anxious and uncertain. This is a beautiful contribution to our children’s services.”
Art Explora selected Whittington Health as the only NHS Trust to receive an installation this year. The technology and artwork have been generously loaned free of charge by Art Explora and creative technology partner It Is Now for an initial period of three years, with hopes to extend the partnership in future.
Located in the paediatric outpatient waiting area, the installation is accessible not only to patients attending appointments, but also to families, visitors, and staff passing through the space. Inpatients who are well enough to visit the area will also be able to experience the artwork during their stay.
Stephanie O’Neill-Winbow, Head of Community Programmes at Art Explora, said: “We’re delighted to bring It is Now to Whittington Hospital for children, families and staff to experience. At Art Explora, we believe access to art and creativity can have a meaningful impact on wellbeing. We hope this installation offers moments of calm, comfort and curiosity for young patients during a vulnerable time.”
The project continues a growing movement to bring immersive and interactive art into healthcare settings to support patient wellbeing and improve experiences for children and families.