A new iPad app showcasing the well known artwork of The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) has been launched today to critical acclaim.

Australian artists Alexander Knox, who created the hospital’s 14-metre tall sculpture Creature, and Jade Oakley, who designed the whimsical mobiles Sky Garden, explored the new Create Explore Learn app with RCH patients.

“I am delighted at the creation of an app specially designed to aid the sense of dynamic interactivity between my mobiles and visitors to the hospital. A mobile is an interactive artwork. It moves with the air currents within the space, and can be experienced in new ways from different viewpoints within the hospital,” Jade said.

“This app combines the art of play and artful distraction to enrich children’s experience and enhance their understanding of their environment,” she said.

Create Explore Learn shares the hospital’s unique art and design with children in homes and schools all around the world. The stunning app features videos, artist interviews and interactive activities to inspire children and adults alike.

The iPhone and iPad app has been created by the RCH Education Institute and Media Saints, with the generous support of Amalgamated Holdings Limited.

Executive Director of the RCH Education Institute, Glenda Strong, said the benefit of art in the hospital setting was twofold.

“It is well researched that the arts are fundamental to children’s learning. For us educators, the arts are a vehicle for drawing on kids’ creativity, and immediately engaging kids in learning,” Glenda said.

“Art is also a useful distraction for patients. This app inspires children to explore the vibrant spaces of the RCH and learn about the artists, designers, zoo keepers and divers who all contribute to making the RCH an uplifting place for children and families,” she said.

Glenda said the app will appeal to families as well as educators around the world.

“I can see enormous potential for this app to be used by teachers in schools all around the country, even beyond.

“The app has universal appeal and the resources that we have developed alongside the app to support teachers make it a really rich learning experience for children in schools and other learning settings.”

Create Explore Learn is free and downloadable from Apple’s App Store. A taster of the app is at www.rchcreate.com