Creative Health

Creative Health brings together artists, community organisations and participants from across Croydon to explore the role that arts, culture and creativity can play in supporting health and wellbeing. Developed with Croydon’s Creative Health team, the exhibition presents case studies from 14 local groups, alongside artworks, objects and interactive activities that celebrate the borough’s growing creative health programme.

Building on the wider Museum of Croydon visual identity, we developed a visual system that extended across exhibition graphics, interpretation and promotional materials. With themes ranging from music and drama to visual art, dementia and the outdoors, the challenge was to create a cohesive framework that could unite a diverse range of voices and experiences while allowing participants’ work to remain at the forefront.

A key consideration was avoiding the clinical visual language often associated with health-related exhibitions. Instead, the design draws inspiration from the qualities of creativity itself – materiality, colour, craft and participation. Seven overlapping organic shapes form the basis of the visual system, representing the exhibition’s core themes while reflecting the interconnected nature of creative health activities. At the entrance, these shapes are translated into a tactile title installation constructed from layered felt, reinforcing the exhibition’s focus on creativity as a hands-on, human experience.

The exhibition is structured around a series of floor-to-ceiling case study panels, linked by a flowing graphic line that guides visitors through the space and connects the different themes. Alongside printed interpretation, the gallery incorporates participant artworks, crafts, film, music and handmade objects, reflecting the breadth of creative activity taking place across the borough. Interactive elements, including a weaving activity, listening station and collaborative rainbow installation, invite visitors to contribute their own experiences and responses.

Throughout the exhibition, accessibility and welcome were central considerations. Generous typography, clear interpretation and informal seating areas help create an environment that encourages exploration, reflection and participation. The result is a vibrant and inclusive exhibition that celebrates the power of creativity to bring people together and support wellbeing.