Arts4Stroke exhibition to celebrate creativity and hope after stroke
Published on 30/04/2026
An inspiring exhibition celebrating the creativity, resilience and recovery journeys of stroke survivors is coming to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham in May.
Funded by Birmingham City Council’s Neighbourhood Network Scheme in Northfield and Edgbaston, the Arts4Stroke South exhibition has been developed by the South Birmingham Stroke Club.
The exhibition will be open to visitors, patients and staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham from Monday 4 May to Saturday 30 May, before moving on to the Northfield Arts Forum on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June (10am–4pm).
The exhibition showcases a wide range of artwork created by stroke survivors, including paintings, poetry, short stories and mixed‑media pieces. Each piece reflects the lived experiences, emotions and determination of people rebuilding their lives after stroke, using creativity as a powerful tool for recovery, confidence and self‑expression.
Participants were supported throughout the project by professional arts therapist Chris Richardson, whose guidance helped individuals explore different artistic mediums as part of their rehabilitation and wellbeing journey.
The project also benefited from the involvement of former Birmingham Poet Laureate, Spoz, whose poetry workshops encouraged participants to share their stories and celebrate their progress through words, while local artist and stroke club founder member Lesley Pattenson provided invaluable creative guidance throughout.
Don Sims, Clinical Service Lead for Stroke at the hospital, said: “Stroke recovery is not just about physical rehabilitation, it’s about rediscovering identity, confidence and hope. The artwork in this exhibition is a powerful reminder of what stroke survivors can achieve. Each piece tells a story of resilience and determination, and together they offer real encouragement to others who may be at different stages of their recovery journey.”
Matt Metcalfe, Hospital Executive Director for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham added: “Art has a unique ability to connect people, spark reflection and inspire change. This exhibition is truly transformative, not only for the artists who created the work, but for everyone who sees it. I would strongly encourage staff, patients and visitors to take time to view the exhibition and experience the creativity and optimism it brings into our hospital spaces.”
Alongside the South Birmingham project, Arts4Stroke East, funded by Neighbourhood Network Scheme Yardley, continues to support members of the East Birmingham Stroke Club. Later this year, a book featuring artwork and writing from both projects will be launched at St Giles Church, Sheldon, on Saturday 12 September (12:00-17:00).
All Arts4Stroke exhibitions are free to attend. For those unable to visit in person, all artwork, poems and stories can be viewed online at www.arts4stroke.org.
The Arts4Stroke projects are made possible thanks to the dedication of unpaid committee members and volunteers from the South and East Birmingham Stroke Clubs, whose work spans coordination, marketing, exhibition delivery and direct support to stroke survivors and their families.
Pictured at the top of the page is 'Ayer's Rock' by stroke survivor Hildegard Thomas.
