Children and families arriving at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital are being welcomed by an interactive new mural that celebrates the powerful connection between healthcare, research and learning.
Located opposite the Pharmacy in a key entrance area of the hospital, Sharing Systems is one of the first artworks children and families encounter when they arrive. Created by South Australian artist Laura Wills and supported by the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Arts in Health program, this site-specific mural invites patients, families, staff and visitors into a thriving ecosystem where animals nurture, teach, learn and support one another.
Drawing inspiration from Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens) and the natural environment surrounding the hospital, the large-scale artwork reflects the values at the heart of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network: curiosity, collaboration, excellence in care, education and research.
Throughout the mural, visitors can discover scenes of connection and shared learning, from a mother duck caring for her ducklings to an older koala teaching its young. Animals gather to share knowledge, conduct experiments and explore ideas together, mirroring the collective effort that drives better health outcomes for children and families.
Importantly, children helped shape the artwork themselves.
Through a series of artist-led workshops, hospital patients and students from Hospital School SA created drawings and paintings that were incorporated into the final design. Their contributions can be found woven through the trees and waterways, making Sharing Systems a lasting reminder of the creativity and voices of the young people who call the hospital their own.
The mural also celebrates the vital role of research in advancing healthcare. Incorporated throughout the artwork are elements derived from real research data generated at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital as part of a groundbreaking study involving researchers, clinicians, nurses and patients, later published in the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal, Nature.
Just as the data is subtly embedded within tree trunks, plants, birds and butterfly wings, research is embedded within healthcare, helping shape treatments, services and practice so children, young people and families can thrive.
The artwork’s themes closely align with the concept of the human microbiome, often described as an ecosystem in which many interconnected elements work together to support health. In Sharing Systems, animals, plants, waterways and research imagery combine to create a visual representation of a healthy ecosystem working together toward the best outcomes for the community.
Adding another layer of engagement, the mural comes alive through an interactive animation developed by Laura Wills, Dave Court and Lateral Flux. The dynamic digital experience encourages children and families to interact with the creatures and environment, creating moments of connection, curiosity and discovery while waiting for pharmacy services.
Supported by the WCH Foundation Arts in Health program in collaboration with the Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Hospital School SA, Laura Wills, AHT Group, Lateral Flux and Ochre Digital, the project demonstrates the positive impact of donor support in enhancing the hospital experience beyond clinical care.
Through its vibrant imagery, interactive elements and meaningful community involvement, Sharing Systems contributes to a more welcoming environment for patients, families, staff and visitors, while celebrating the power of learning, research and shared knowledge to help every child and family thrive.
Research Attribution
This artwork incorporates material from: Ryan et al., Nature (2025), licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, used with permission.
