Tonic Commissions

We support and manage arts, design and selected Greenspace commissioning programmes, developed with patient and staff engagement and collaboration.

Find out more about some of our recent commissions:

Commissioned artwork at the ESMAC Sycamore Centre by Louise Kirby

Rhythms of Nature at the Sycamore Centre

Well-considered decor can have a significant impact on healthcare settings, and the people who come into contact with them, especially in the context of trauma-informed care. Working with staff and stakeholders at the Sycamore Centre, an equally safe multi-agency Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), our Tonic arts team commissioned visual artist and designer, Louise Kirby, to help create a more welcoming and supportive environment for individuals to begin their recovery journey.

East Lothian Community Hospital

East Lothian Community Hospital Going to hospital can be stressful for patients but having a welcoming environment both inside and […]

Forth Flora © Lorna Fraser, photo by Shannon Tofts

Edinburgh Haematology Centre

Enhancing Clinical Environments Through Art and Creativity Edinburgh Haematology Centre A stunning collaborative arts programme forming a major reprovision of […]

Beyond Walls

NHS Lothian Charity’s Tonic Arts team, together with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), recently worked with Gingko Projects through Multiplex – the building contractor – to curate and produce one of the UK’s largest ever art and therapeutic design commissioning programmes.

tiled Corridor © Frances Priest - Tonic Commissions

The Tiled Corridor

The Tiled Corridor is a ceramic commission at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, by Frances Priest.

Sanctuary © Lindsay Perth, photo by Lindsay Perth

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a non-denominational reflection space at new-build East Lothian Community Hospital. It was designed by Lindsay Perth in collaboration with local designer-makers and was commissioned and funded by Tonic Arts, Edinburgh & Lothians Health Foundation, for NHS Lothian.

Our Common Humanity

Our Common Humanity Royal Edinburgh Hospital Created by Juli Bolaños-Durman, “Our Common Humanity” was created in collaboration with patients at […]

Using outdoor space as creative canvases

The Royal Edinburgh Hospital’s “Art Box” has been exploding with colour thanks to artist Natasha Russell! Natasha collaborated with patients in workshops, where they created fantastic nature-inspired art from imagination and references like plants, insects, and birds.

These vibrant ideas have now transformed into two beautiful murals. One, by the glasshouses, was painted by Natasha alongside staff and patients. The second graces the Jordanburn entrance, welcoming everyone with calm blues and greens depicting trees and foliage. This design is particularly impactful during winter, offering a much-needed burst of colour and warmth.

This project is far more than just adding colour; it’s about creating an environment that uplifts spirits and supports recovery. As one patient shared, “As you are going to hospital you see the beautiful images, it gives you hope and encouragement,” while another noted it “Makes you feel brighter, in winter it will be lovely.”

Detail of a snail in Natasha Russell's mural outside the Glasshouses at REH

Sharon Quigley at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

Our new commission at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital has brought a burst of colour and nature to the Glazed Corridor. This vibrant transformation by artist Sharon Quigley, is based on the theme of “healing plants,” featuring stylised depictions of growth, germination, and garden topiary. These vibrant and uplifting motifs create a visual connection to nature, softening the clinical environment and providing a calming point of focus for patients and staff.

“This is brilliant, what a difference.” Patient

Sharon Quigley's vinyl designs on the glass corridor at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

Rainbow to Recovery

‘Rainbow to Recovery’ is a poignant display found in the north corridor of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh commemorating the incredible support shown to NHS staff during the pandemic.

In 2020, children across the country painted rainbows, a symbol of hope and resilience, and sent them to healthcare workers as a gesture of support. These simple acts of kindness had a profound impact on the staff at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Rainbows, sent by local children, filled with vibrant colours and heartfelt messages, brought joy and inspiration to the NHS Lothian wards.

Designer, Rebecca Milling, helped infirmary staff to collate these artworks; ‘Rainbow to Recovery’, capturing the essence of these heartwarming messages and the power of human connection.

Rainbow artwork in the north corridor of the RIE

Custom garden quilts for patients to enjoy the outdoors

These super colourful, vibrant, one-of-a-kind quilts were made with designer, Laura Spring. As well as being beautiful to look at, they are also helping patients continue to enjoy the fresh air when it’s a bit chilly!