Pilot project provides comfort through artwork

Selected artwork announced thanks to donor support

Winnipeg, MB (May 20, 2026) – Donor support is helping transform the childhood cancer, blood disorders and transplants ward, known as CK5, at HSC Children’s Hospital through renovated patient rooms, improved infection prevention control and newly released child-friendly artwork that makes the space feel more comfortable and colourful. Today Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba announced the artwork selected for this important project to revitalize a critical space at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital.

In early January 2026, the Foundation launched a public call for artists to create nature-themed art pieces for kids’ hospital rooms, treatment room and the kitchen in the CK5 ward where young patients with some of the most challenging and complex illnesses spend weeks or months receiving care. The artists’ submissions were managed through Graffiti Art Programming which also served as project manager and liaised with artists throughout the process.

“Our team was so thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response from the artist community, and incredible support that this project received,” Stephen Wilson, Graffiti Art Programming, Executive Director. “I think it’s a testament to just how much our community cares about children and how important the CK5 ward renovation is to Manitobans and beyond.”

The artwork was selected by a committee comprised of kids, families, health care experts and donors. Out of 165 artists who sent their work, the committee chose twenty artists that represent diverse cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, BIPOC and disability communities.

The twenty chosen artists whose artwork will be featured on the walls of the newly renovated CK5 ward are:

• Amr Ismail
• Annie Beach
• Arnold Sastoque
• Ashlyn Anderson-Williams
• Brian Hahlwehg
• Cassandra Regier
• Cathy Curlette
• Kal Barteski
• Katrina Wisneski
• Ky Quiring
• Lisa Whitehouse
• Mae Desmond
• Magdelene Schneider
• Micaela Gilbert
• Nicole McGonigal
• Shawna Grapentine
• Shelley Enemark
• Sierra Bailey
• Stephanie McGregor
• Storm Angecomb

This art pilot project is part of a larger plan to reimagine over 70 in-patient rooms at one of the oldest children’s hospitals in Canada starting with CK5 – the childhood cancer, blood disorders and transplants ward. The CK5 ward is being updated with kids and families in mind, including functional furniture and nature-focused designs to help make their stay a little easier and more welcoming.

“Kids and families who need the CK5 ward will now have a safe and colourful place to call their second home at HSC Children’s Hospital when facing long and difficult stays,” says Stefano Grande, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “We are so proud to announce these artists and how they’ve beautifully captured the nature theme to help provide a place of hope and healing, and thankful to the donors who made this revitalization of the cancer, blood disorders and transplants ward possible.”

The art project is part of a broader childhood cancer, blood disorders and transplants campaign to:

• Revitalize 15 patient rooms, a treatment room, family lounge, nursing station, and shared spaces that hundreds of children and families rely on each year in CK5
• Improve infection prevention and airflow for vulnerable patients
• Upgrade technology for education, entertainment, and connection
• Enhance family areas for rest and comfort
• Support ongoing childhood cancer and pediatric health research at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba

This campaign has raised over $2 million, with incredible community support, including a $500,000 gift from CancerCare Manitoba during the Foundation’s 2025 Ice Crystal Gala.

Construction remains ongoing in the CK5 ward with furniture, upgraded technology and wall art scheduled to go up in a few months.

Visitors can visit the CK5 pop-up at Winnipeg Square by scheduling with the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba at info@goodbear.ca.

To learn more about how donor generosity impacted this project, read Ella’s health journey of a leukemia diagnosis at age three to being a cancer survivor by age five, at goodbear.ca/ella.

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