We spoke with Penny Stotter, Art Advisor at Auckland City Hospital, to learn more about her role in curating and maintaining the hospital's art collection and the positive impact it has on patients, staff, and visitors.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your role?
My name is Penny, and I’m the Art Advisor for Auckland City Hospital. My role involves managing and maintaining the hospital's art collection, as well as acquiring new artworks to enhance the collection.
How many pieces of artwork are currently displayed at Auckland City Hospital?
We currently have over 4,000 pieces in the collection—4,326, to be exact. Every piece has been donated, either by patients or members of the public, or purchased with proceeds from the Auckland Hospital Foundation.
How do you decide which artwork goes in each area?
The selection process often depends on the needs of each ward. For instance, some charge nurses have a clear vision of what would best suit their area. I recently worked on a ward where they wanted to bring a sense of the outdoors inside by featuring New Zealand landscapes.
In another ward where flowers aren’t allowed, we incorporated floral imagery into the artwork instead. Similarly, in a maternity suite, we installed a series depicting the life stages of a butterfly—from caterpillar to chrysalis—which symbolises growth and transformation.
Whenever possible, I try to create meaningful connections between the artwork and the spaces where it’s displayed. It’s not always easy, but when it works, the results are incredibly rewarding.
What impact do you think art has on people in a hospital environment?
Art provides a sense of respite from the challenges of being in a hospital. It helps to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment, making the experience feel less clinical. Patients, visitors, and staff often tell me they appreciate the art.
For some, it’s a small but meaningful comfort—a moment of beauty in a difficult time. Staff also notice and comment when something new is hung, saying how much they enjoy seeing fresh pieces or changes. It sparks interest and adds to the positive energy of the space.
What kind of feedback do you receive about the art?
The feedback has been positive. People appreciate the thought and care that goes into the collection, especially the focus on New Zealand artists. It’s not necessarily something everyone notices, but for those who do, it makes a difference.
Staff, patients, and visitors alike have shared how much they enjoy the collection. Many tell me they find it inspiring and uplifting. I think it reassures donors to know that their contributions—whether funds or artworks—are deeply appreciated and have a lasting impact.
Are there any future plans or aspirations for the art displays at Auckland City Hospital?
Looking ahead, it would be fantastic to raise greater awareness about the collection and encourage more people to consider donating artworks or funds to the hospital. Many areas are still in need of artwork, and it would make a significant difference to the staff and patients in those spaces.
We’re also working on creating a publicly accessible database for the collection. This would allow people to learn more about the artworks and the stories behind them. My hope is that this initiative will make the collection more interactive and allow the wider community to engage with it in a meaningful way.
Art plays a vital role in creating a more welcoming and human-centred environment at Auckland City Hospital. Through her work, Penny ensures that every piece in the collection adds value to the hospital experience, providing moments of comfort, inspiration, and joy to all who encounter it.
For those interested in supporting the art collection, whether by donating funds or artworks, please consider contributing here.
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