Event Information
The Enchanted ForestA new interactive artwork for SEND children at King’s College Hospital
Photo: Pietro Molinaris
Sony Design Center Europe had the opportunity to take a part in creating “The Enchanted Forest” at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, South London - a project by Art Explora in collaboration with It Is Now and supported by Art Explora and King’s College Hospital Charity. The artwork is designed to provide sensory stimulation as well as offer uplifting and joyful experiences to children with special educational needs (SEND) and physical disabilities. It is accessible to both out-patients and in-patients.
The Enchanted Forest is an interactive screen-based experience created by Sony’s design team in Europe. Set within a magical forest landscape lives a mythical goblin and a group of playful fairies who harvest pumpkins by day and play inside the wishing well by night. Children are encouraged to explore the landscape by moving in front of the screen. Movements are reflected on screen as a light, which causes plants and flowers to grow across the forest floor. Changing pathways of light, and the setting-sun, create the sense of time passing, while the noise of birdsong and rustling leaves enhances a feeling of immersion in the enchanted world.
Photo (top left): Pietro Molinaris
About the partners:
Art Explora
Art Explora aims to share arts and culture with everyone – locally, nationally and internationally – inspiring new encounters between arts and audiences. We work in partnership with artists, cultural organisations and communities, exploring all art forms, and creating unforgettable cultural experiences. Our imaginative, contemporary approach encourages new forms of access, participation and engagement with arts and culture, pushing boundaries with digital technology and mobile programming.
Art Explora is registered UK charity no. 1202489. Art Explora has offices in France and the UK.
It is Now
It Is Now works with digital artists to produce interactive and inclusive artworks for children’s hospitals and institutes for SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) children. These immersive digital artworks have recognised health benefits for children in need of sensory stimulation but also encourage creativity, fun and bring a sense of joy to children in care.
It is Now is a non-profit founded in France in 2020.
King's College Hospital
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching hospitals, providing care to 1.5 million patients in south-east London and Kent, The Trust provides specialist care to paediatric patients for a range of conditions, including neurosurgery and liver conditions.