Penny Calvert
Creative health specialist
I’m Penny Calvert, a creative professional with over 25 years’ experience using art and design to enhance wellbeing and community spaces. My passion lies in co-creation, bringing people together to transform healthcare and public environments through innovative, people-centred solutions.
My work has taken me into healthcare settings, community spaces, and public environments, where I use creativity as a tool to make spaces more inclusive, healing, and inspiring.
Starting my career in design and carpentry, I saw how hands-on creativity could uplift people, particularly in healthcare. Since then, I’ve led projects like co-designing award-winning facilities and managing art programmes that empower communities. Along the way, I’ve deepened my skills through qualifications in Arts Therapy, education, and senior leadership.
I believe the best solutions come from valuing everyone’s voice, and co-design is at the heart of my approach. Whether it’s creating playful spaces for children, designing therapeutic environments, or blending sustainability with art, my goal is always to leave a positive, lasting impact.
Currently, as a Creative Health Associate with the National Centre for Creative Health, I’m dedicated to exploring how creativity can drive meaningful change in health systems. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and look forward to continuing this work, blending art, design, and collaboration to make a difference.
