Helena Cox
Art Curator, University of York / Borthwick Institute for Archives and Research Collections
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«I am a curator and an art historian, and since 2022 I’ve been working as the inaugural Art Curator at the University of York. I oversee a collection of over 900 artworks spread all over the campus including a sculpture trail and many treasures of British and international art.»
Our 60 seconds interview with Helena:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
In the past, I have been involved in museum-based projects promoting mental health via engagement with art. In my role here at York, I am keen to use our amazing campus art collection to encourage mindful and meditative engagement with art and I would love to develop an array of activities that use our artwork as creative prompts, inviting both students and the public to step away from their often-stressful lives and find some respite and uplift in art.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
I am absolutely loving being the University’s first ever art curator and I see so much potential for the future! Our amazing art collection has been somewhat dormant for a number of decades, but all the more exciting it is to be the first person to help it step out of the shadows. In 10 years’ time, I’d like for our art collection to be firmly established on York’s cultural map, I’d love to see more display spaces across campus and finally I’d love for all students and the public to feel that the collection is here for them – a space for education and research, but also for relaxation and joy!
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
The biggest challenge at the moment is that we have an almost 60 years’ long back-log of work as the art collection has never been professionally managed. Many of our artworks are in dire need of conservation, our fantastic sculptures badly need cleaning and protecting from the elements. There is a lot to do but over the last 15 months we’ve already taken leaps forward, so I am very optimistic about the future!
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
The art collection could be truly transformative for the University. The collection is a perfect natural bridge between the world of academia and the general public. As a “University for the Public Good”, we can really benefit from utilising our hidden art treasures to engage the public as well as make the artworks part of our interdisciplinary research and teaching, and as a way of promoting mental health throughout the university and beyond.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
I think it’s important to be open about it when you are struggling. I believe there’s real courage in being able to speak to your colleagues or managers and say, ‘I am not OK today’. I’m trying to practise this and be open about what’s going on as well as stating clearly what I need or how others can support me. And equally so be attentive when others need your help – we’re all in it together, however cheesy it may sound, I truly believe it.