Dance Artist Brief

Oxford Health Arts Partnership is seeking an experienced dance artist to deliver 24 inclusive movement-to-music sessions for adult inpatients at Didcot Community Hospital. Working with ward staff, the artist will provide safe, enjoyable and adaptable sessions that support wellbeing, confidence and rehabilitation. The six-month commission builds on Move to Health programmes in other Oxfordshire community hospitals.

Purpose and aims
• Offer high-quality creative movement during patients’ hospital stays.
• Support mobility, confidence, wellbeing and social connection.
• Complement clinical rehabilitation through accessible, person-centred activity.
• Gather learning and feedback to inform future provision in Didcot.

The commission will involve:
• 24 weekly sessions over approximately six months for adult inpatients.
• Thursday mornings, 10am–midday, including set-up.
• Seated and adaptable creative movement using appropriate music.
• Brief attendance records, reflective notes and patient or staff feedback.

Artist role and responsibilities
• Plan and deliver accessible, engaging movement-to-music sessions.
• Adapt activities to patients’ mobility, presentation, confidence and energy levels, following clinical guidance.
• Work closely with ward staff and the Oxford Health Arts Partnership project lead.
• Maintain patient dignity, confidentiality, professional boundaries and safe practice.
• Report any concerns, incidents, risks or delivery changes promptly.
• Provide brief attendance information, reflections and feedback.
• Submit invoices directly to Didcot League of Friends.

Clinical decisions and hands-on care remain the responsibility of Oxford Health staff; the artist must not provide clinical advice or treatment.

Artist experience and skills

We are looking for an artist who can demonstrate:
• Professional practice in dance, movement or participatory arts.
• Experience of inclusive facilitation and adapting activity for varied needs.
• Experience with older adults, rehabilitation or people with additional needs.
• Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, consent, professional boundaries and risk.
• Reliable, organised and able to work collaboratively in a clinical setting.

Experience in a health or care setting is desirable. Knowledge of Didcot community networks is welcome but not essential.

Fee
The total project budget is £2,400 for 24 two-hour artist visits, including set-up, proportionate session planning and brief evaluation.

Before delivery begins, the artist must complete Oxford Health’s honorary contract process, which includes:

• DBS, identity, right-to-work and reference checks where required by the Trust.
• Relevant induction and essential role-specific training.
• Compliance with relevant Oxford Health policies and local procedures.
• Appropriate public liability and professional insurance.

Timeline
Application deadline: 19 October 2026
Shortlisting: Online conversations after the deadline - Date TBC
Start: As soon as contracting and Oxford Health checks are complete
Delivery: Approximately six months

Applicants should submit:
• A short expression of interest outlining relevant experience and the proposed approach.
• A current CV or artist biography and examples of relevant work.
• Confirmation of availability for Thursday mornings and the project period.

Please send expression of interest to OHAP@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk by 19 October 2026.