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Child patients exploring ‘magical world’ of fairies and goblins thanks to interactive artwork at South London hospit

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Child patients exploring ‘magical world’ of fairies and goblins thanks to interactive artwork at South London hospit

Children can explore mystical woodlands filled with magical creatures thanks to an interactive artwork at King’s College Hospital’s paediatric ward, writes Issy Clarke.

The Enchanted Forest, created by Sony, depicts a magical forest landscape, home to a mythical goblin and a group of fairies who harvest pumpkins by day and play inside the wishing well at night.

Available to both inpatients and outpatients, the artwork is designed to offer uplifting and joyful experiences to children with special educational needs and physical disabilities. 

Children can explore the magical woodlands by moving in front of the screen. Their movements are reflected on screen as a light, which causes plants and flowers to grow across the forest floor.

Changing light pathways 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.

The Enchanted Forest is a project by Art Explora UK, an organisation supporting access to the arts, in collaboration with It Is Now, a French non-profit which specialises in creating interactive artworks for children’s hospitals.

Noemie Ganem, founder of It is Now, said he was inspired by his son Zach, who was born with a physical disability:  “Watching Zach grow up, I directly witnessed the positive impact sensory stimulation has on children with SEND [Special Educational Needs and Disabilities], giving them a sense of agency otherwise absent their daily lives.”

Sarah Harris, Head of Nursing for Child Health at King’s College Hospital, added: “Sensory play is important for all children but for those with additional needs the stimulation can be of particular benefit. 

“We are delighted to have been able to work with partners to enable the installation of the Enchanted Forest here at King’s. We look forward to our young patients interacting with the artwork and taking pleasure from it during their time with us.”  

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