THE STAIRWELL PROJECT

HISTORY OF THE STAIRWELL PROJECT

The Stairwell Project emerged from a simple lunchtime routine in June 2015 when Peter Breen, then a radiographer at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH), discovered the unique acoustic qualities of the hospital’s stairwell.

Recognising its potential for live music, Peter proposed the idea to RBWH management and successfully conducted a trial run with professional instrumentalists and vocalists from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.

Encouragement from hospital staff led to the project’s expansion, particularly in the field of oncology, where it quickly gained traction. The project was approved in 2015/16 and it began to expand into the RBWH foyer and entrance, then into Cancer Care Services.

Early on, it was decided to fund musicians rather than rely on volunteers. Over the past four years, the project’s scope has extended to include trials at Prince Charles Hospital and a pilot project at St Vincent’s Hospital, Kangaroo Point.

The Stairwell Project was nominated for an award for Patient Care through St Vincent’s Health in October 2022.

THE PROJECT AS OF 2024

The Stairwell Project has evolved into a fully funded endeavour, with 5 musicians performing for 10 hours per week in clinical spaces at the RBWH.

Funding sources have included Arts Queensland, The Gaming Community Benefit Fund, the RBWH Foundation, Cancer Care Services, and various philanthropic individuals and organisations. This financial support has enabled the project to sustain and expand its impact, reaching more patients and caregivers across healthcare settings.